Atlético Madrid captain Koke spoke to the media on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s Spanish Super Cup semi-final showdown against Real Madrid, and the midfielder addressed a number of topics in Jeddah.
One was on the chance of silverware in the competition, where he laughed off a suggestion that winning this trophy would be the most simple of all tournaments the Colchoneros are involved in.
“Well, easiest… in terms of the number of matches, yes, but I wouldn’t say it’s easy,” he said. “It’s the closest
we are to a title, but have a first step against Madrid, one of the best teams in the world, and it’s going to be very difficult.”
Atlético’s all-time appearances leader said his team “will be there, giving it our all, we want a final, the title. We’ve been working for years in a way that seeks to win.”
Koke on setting a new record for Madrid derbies played with 40
“I haven’t thought about it. It’s always special to play in a derby, to play in a semi-final, because you never know when you’ll play in a semi-final again. There’s not much more motivation than that. I always try to be as mentally strong as possible to do what the team needs. That’s my biggest motivation, to help the team beat whoever the opponent is. In a semi-final against Real Madrid, there’s little more motivation than that.”
Koke on Julián Alvarez’s form
“I always say this: great footballers are expected to deliver a lot. Not just Julián, but everyone, in order to achieve the objectives. I’m sure that great players like him will step up when they’re needed most. It’s an important day and hopefully he’ll have the same luck as in the derby at the Metropolitano, where he had an incredible game when we needed him and we were losing 1-2: he hit the post, won a penalty, took a free kick… He’s special and when he’s needed, I’m sure he’ll be 100 percent.”
Koke on people missing the rebelliousness of Gabi, Diego Costa
“Everyone is different. Cycles are different, obviously. That era was spectacular, but football is changing. What I have to say is that it’s a semi-final against Madrid and we’re going to give it our all to get through, because we want to win this title.”
Koke on similarities with the derby in September
“I don’t think (there are any). The two teams know each other, we had a meeting (in September) and played a great game, but every derby is different. A lot can happen: red cards, injuries… We’ll have a clear game plan, for sure. We’re going to go all out with it. It’s the only way we know how: give 100 percent.”
Koke on Mbappé not playing
“We know his level, everything he brings to the table, he’s one of the best in the world. Tomorrow after the match, I’ll tell you if it changes anything.”
