Javier Aguirre was on pre-match media duties ahead of our clash with Real Madrid. Find out what the boss had to say below:
On the state of the team: "The team is fine. We went into the break happy,with a good result. We enjoyed these days. Muriqi and Valjent are out. Lato is back, but he trained very little. Maffeo still has a knee problem but he will be fine and Darder had a stomach problem. They are all healthy except Martin and Vedat. Jaume Costa is suspended.”
On playing at the Bernabeu: "It's difficult to subdue Real Madrid at their place. Normally they play more in your midfield. Last year we were 1-0 up, they turned it around and Antonio scored the equaliser. They punished us at the end. I expect a similar game, with few scoring chances for us. We will have to be accurate and take our chances. They will have more possession and more chances. We have to keep defending well and improve with the ball. I want more personality with the ball and try to win the match. I see a chance of winning there. The probability of losing is greater than in other stadiums, but we will surely compete and try to take advantage of the chances we have.”
On Muriqi's injury: "I don't think he will play in January. We have been conservative with him and I think it's for the best. It was a very strange injury.”
On transfers in the transfer market in LaLiga: "It is very difficult for a single signing to alter the dynamics of a team. A change of coach can change things. For a player to make it, he has to be very decisive and it's not easy to get him in the market. It's difficult to get it right.”
On RCD Mallorca's transfer market: "If the club considers it necessary to bring someone in and can do so, I am an institution and I will abide by what the club decides. I have not asked for anything. I haven't spoken to any of the players in our squad about their future in this market. Nor have they come to tell me anything.”
On Real Madrid: "I was delighted that Ancelotti was renewed. It gives prestige to the league. He is an excellent coach and human being. The best thing Real Madrid has done is to give continuity to the coach. I was surprised by Bellingham. Every time he steps in the area he doesn't forgive. It's the same Real Madrid we've always faced, competitive and who never give up. It's very difficult to win at the Bernabéu. I was fortunate enough to win twice, but I've lost more times.”
On Real Madrid's losses in defense: "Everything came together with injuries and suspensions. These are big losses. But Tchouameni has the physique of a center-back, ball control, aerial play alongside Rüdiger. In addition, whoever plays in Madrid has quality and is qualified. I don't know if they will be affected by the losses. It will be complicated all the same.”
