The Madrid coach took stock in the press room after the victory against Mallorca in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup (3-0).
In flash interview
How do you analyze the match? “We started well and when we could have scored… we didn’t score. That’s the summary of a match that was demanding, because we tried in every way possible. They did very well defended and had chances, because they are very dangerous in the air, for example Anything could have happened, but we were quite balanced in defense, we were good. final.”
The fight at the end of the match: “It was useless, the match was already over. I don’t blame anyone, neither the Mallorca players nor mine. But such a fight was not necessary. The players were a little heated and I tried to calm down the game with Maffeo In the end, nothing happened. But this ending was not necessary.
Bellingham spectacular tonight: “He is very important for us. When the front four are active, anything can happen. They are very dangerous, that’s obvious, everyone sees that, but it’s not just a question of quality, they have also a lot of commitment lately, they are doing well.”
What did you say to Maffeo: “I just tried to end the fight, because tempers were heated. In the end, nothing happened, everything calmed down afterwards.”
Why is Fede Valverde out? “He had an overload on his adductors, like Bellingham. It was a match in particular heat, very hot… and it must have affected both.”
Olmo and Pau Victor registered at Barça, what is your opinion on this subject? “I don’t want to comment (silence), I have an opinion, obviously, but I don’t want to comment on it.”
At a press conference
Did you expect this match?
I expected a difficult match. We started very well and we were able to open the score very early. Afterwards, it got a little more complicated. It was demanding, because Mallorca played the game they should have played, defending and looking for chances with crosses.
Was Mbappé at his best during the first half hour?
Yes, it is very good. It shows a good version. It’s not just today, in December he did very well. He has scored goals and is more active. He is reaching his best level, but I don’t know how far he can go.
How are the injured players doing?
Tchouaméni… The doctor preferred to take him off the field, because it was a blow to the head. Bellingham and Valverde have muscle overloads. We didn’t expect this heat and it affected the pace of the match. And finally, the pointless fight. The match was over. I don’t blame anyone, but it wasn’t normal.
What is your summary?
We didn’t show our best level but we deserved to win. In defense, we worked well and we had Tchouaméni’s injury. Asencio made a good entrance. We will prepare in the same way for the match against Barcelona.
What do you think about the fact that Olmo and Pau Víctor are playing, does it make the competition more difficult?
I think so, but I don’t want to talk about it.
Why don’t you want to talk about it ?
Everyone has their own opinion. I have a public profile and I don’t want to give my opinion. What I think, I keep to myself.
Another Clasico. The last one was a painful defeat.
Lately, the Clasico has been unpredictable. 4-1, 0-4 in Barcelona, they beat us 0-4 at the Bernabeu. Difficult to plan for the next match. It will be entertaining because there will be quality on the pitch.
Can Bellingham give more?
It is very important because at the moment the improvement of the team comes from the fact that Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius and Mbappé have been more active. That’s team improvement. We are more balanced, even with several attackers on the pitch.
His experience
I have a lot of experience. I started in this world in 1976. 48 years of experience to know how to handle this kind of situation.
