Julen Lopetegui appeared in the press room Real Madrid City on the day prior to his team's LaLiga clash with Levante. The coach assessed the game set to be played at the Santiago Bernabéu (13:00pm CEST): “The only recipe is hard work, persistence and belief. We're up against opposition who have won two in a row and have improved in many respects. We're very excited about the game, we're playing in front of our fans and we want to win it. Levante are going to demand the best we've got to give”.
“They're opposition who have changed their system and found a winning formula, creating chances and scoring goals. They have real attacking intent with a great squad and a brilliant coach. We're focusing on our strengths to make things happen on the pitch and we're confident we'll come through the game with a positive result. We're trying to get back to finding our best football and consolidating that position”.
Nervousness?
“We're trying to focus on the game and on our football and not look at things being said outside. We want to play well, create chances and take them, and make sure the opposition have fewer opportunities. There are three crucial points up for grabs which could put us top of the table and that's all we're worrying about”.
The season
“We're fully concentrated on tomorrow's game, with maximum levels of hunger and ambition. How this season will go is still an unanswered question for everyone because nothing has been decided yet and we have to win it on the pitch, solidifying the good things we've been doing and improving where we're lacking a bit. Our plans develop on the basis of who we're up against, where we are in the season and the players we have available, but always with an underlying belief in a game plan and the things we're doing well”.
January window
“The solution lies in the fact I have absolute confidence in all the players and we're convinced we're going to have a good season. There's a long way to go and we'll be there at the end. I'm thrilled with the players and certain we're going to play some great football”.
“I feel great. I'm the Real Madrid coach and the demands are huge. I'm hungry and ambitious. We're focusing only on the Levante game, there is no larger objective. No doubt at all, I'm extremely calm”.
Getting injured players back
“We didn't pick up any injuries during the international break and we're coming back with more guys fit than when we went away. We'll make decisions today after training. We're optimistic about Bale and the other doubts. The only one who will definitely not play is Carvajal. We'll look at it all properly today and tomorrow we'll make decisions. Not all the guys who have been out will come back in the same manner”.
Bale
“He's managed how he felt very sensibly, he hasn't forced himself with the national side. He's shown great responsibility and has a chance of playing tomorrow. Between today and tomorrow we'll see”.
Isco
“He's a crucial player. He had appendicitis but he's got over that now. He's another weapon for the team. Us coaches love to have as many players available as possible. We're thrilled that he's recovered and ready to play again. We'll decide tomorrow”.
Benzema
“Physically, he had a bit of discomfort but he's had two full sessions back with the team. We'll see how he's feeling. Psychologically I think he seems perfectly fine”.
Kroos
“He's a player who can adapt to playing different positions and has had some amazing games playing as a centre midfielder”.
Team meet-up
“We'll come together for the team meet-up but we don't make any rash decisions. It's not as relevant as you might think”.
Source: Real Madrid CF