Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal spoke to the media ahead of the Clasico Supercopa final on Sunday. He was asked about what he would say to the fans who are not very confident of a win for Real Madrid,
to which he said: “I would tell them to look back. I come from a very successful career, including years when nobody gave us a chance… and we’ve done amazing things. We’re focused on tomorrow’s game. We’re very motivated and eager to win the title.”
Carvajal on the game
“Tomorrow is an important day for us; we want to bring this title home. On a personal level, it’s also important for me to equal Luka Modric as the player with the most titles in the club’s history.
“Winning a final is always a big moment, especially against Barcelona. It’s a huge morale boost for both teams. Whoever wins tomorrow will come out stronger.”
Carvajal on the conversations with Diego Simeone
“We simply have a mutual respect. We both defend our club to the death. He gave me his impression, I gave him mine. We’re focused on tomorrow’s match; we have the opportunity to win another title. That’s all for now.”
Carvajal on controversy with Lamine Yamal in October
“You guys don’t forget anything, do you? (Laughter). Lamine is a young guy. I think he wasn’t entirely on form in the days leading up to the Clásico. But that’s all. Everyone tries to defend their own interests at club level. Lamine is a great guy. Obviously, I don’t wish him the best for tomorrow. But that’s it, I’m not making a big deal out of it.”
Carvajal on Xabi Alonso
“It’s true that in the final stretch of the year, the team hasn’t been at its best. We’ve also been hampered by numerous injuries. The Christmas break has been good for everyone. I see Xabi as calm, with a clear vision. It’s true that when the results aren’t there, there’s always some murmuring. But we’re fully behind him.”
Carvajal on his contract
“I’m coming off a difficult period, a serious injury. What I really want is to train and enjoy playing. The club is on the same page as me. I need to play, to see what level I can show on the pitch. If the club and I are on the same page, there won’t be any problems.”
Carvajal on the injury problems in football
“It hasn’t been easy. Now, it seems we’re on the right track. I’ve mentioned the injury issue quite a few times: another World Cup in between, matches every three days, more and more competitions… we players don’t talk for nothing.”
Carvajal on Kylian Mbappé
“Kylian is a very important player for us, he is the best striker in the world and hopefully he can be on the field tomorrow because he can be decisive.”
Carvajal on reported issues between players and the coach
“The manager is the one who can have his opinion. Fede can give his opinion; I understand he doesn’t like playing at full-back, but when he comes on, he gives his all in whatever position he’s given. And that’s what I take away from it.”
Carvajal on the noise around Vinicius Jr
“Vini is extremely important to us. I think Vini will have a fantastic game tomorrow; we’re all absolutely convinced of it. He’s already experienced the rumors many times. It’s clear he’s an incredible player, and I’m convinced that tomorrow will be a big and important day for him.
“Vini is mature enough not to get involved in those arguments. I know he likes being teased because he teases back. He thrives in those kinds of situations, he gets motivated.”
Carvajal on whether they have practiced penalties
“Honestly, no. The experience of our team’s shooters is important. If I were on the field and had the opportunity to shoot, I would like to.”
Carvajal on the key to win the game
“Tomorrow we need to be clinical in both penalty areas, play a similar game to the one at the Bernabéu, and withstand any blows our opponent might throw at us. That’s the way to win the title.”
