Julen Lopetegui has spoken to the press in the media room at Real Madrid City following the team's final training session ahead of the match against Alavés (Saturday, 6:30pm CEST). The madridista coach discussed the clash at Mendizorroza: ”Our aims remain intact and we will improve. We've got the same number of points as the team top of LaLiga and in the Champions League we're certain we can continue the same form we showed against Roma. We have to believe in what we're doing and work on a game by game basis".
"Our next challenge and our objective is Alavés, who are unbeaten in 6 games, are playing at home and flying high. They're having a wonderful season, with great players and a top coach. I'm expecting a hugely demanding game against a team who get the very best out of what they've got and that is full of players at their peak at Alavés. They've got a real team ethic and we'll have to perform very well to beat them".
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Injuries
"We've still got a few with injuries, particularly Marcelo and now Dani, who could be out for a few weeks. We've got Isco with appendicitis and a few other knocks, Bale, for example, but it's nothing serious. We have to manage the situation and get through it. The more players we have available the better when it comes to making decisions".
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Bale
"He's a key player. He's fine and he trained well. He felt some discomfort but picked it up in time before it became anything serious and he's ready to play".
Lack of respect?
"This is Real Madrid. Expectations are high and we have to accept that. The important thing is how we're feeling and the determination shown by the players. We know there will be spells where we have problems and we have to be able to overcome them. We have to look at the good points and correct elements which need work. We've got the right mentality and absolute confidence in every competition".
Source: Real Madrid CF / Javier García