Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has described playing in a fourth Champions League final as a ‘surreal’ experience.
The Frenchman, who is just 25-years-old, was interviewed by Marca as he looked ahead to Saturday’s clash with Liverpool in Kiev, and told of his pride in what he has achieved so far.
“It seems surreal and is very difficult to imagine. Winning one is complicated enough but three in a row? I have no words and a fourth would be magnificent,” said Varane.
“It’s amazing. The experience we have in this situation makes us realise how tough it will be, yet it also makes us even more confident. We are clear in knowing what we have to do to win the final.
“We’ve already made history and want to continue to do so. It would be incredible. However, we first need to think of this match. We’re only thinking of Liverpool and after that, we’ll see.
“I don’t think we’ve even fully realised what we’ve achieved yet, but we will when this match is over.”
Varane also spoke about Liverpool’s strengths and rejected suggestions that Los Blancos will be clear favourites going into the game, whilst analysing how he thinks the match will pan out.
“Liverpool are a team that play well together and their attacking trio work very well and have scored a lot of goals.
“We know it’s their strong point and they have quality players there, so we need to defend well and avoid leaving spaces. It’s really important to work as a unit and close any gaps, so concentration will be vital.
“But I don’t think we are favourites. No, not really. Liverpool are in the final for a reason. They are a good team and have done well to reach this stage. There are no favourites in a match like this and we know beating them will be very complicated.
“We have a quality team with experience and we are aware it will be a game of transition between defence and attack, because both teams are able to get forward very quickly.
“I think there will also be periods of possession, but you can’t suddenly change the pace of the game, otherwise it unbalances the team. You need to have balance and that’s important; it’s been seen in other matches that transitional play is crucial,” maintained Varane.
