Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui believes Saturday’s Derbi against city rivals Atletico ‘isn’t just another match’.
Madrid were beaten 3-0 by Sevilla in their last match and face an Atleti side rejuvenated by three straight wins, but Lopetegui made it clear his side had ‘the courage and desire’ to bounce back.
“The Derbi isn’t just another match,” the Coach said at a Press conference.
“It has an extra emotional component and we have to be ready both sportingly and mentally. We must be balanced to compete accordingly.
“In football everything goes very quickly, so we have to forget our wins and defeats because a magnificent clash, in this case a derby against Atletico de Madrid, has come up.
“Just as we don’t stop when we win, we don’t stop when we lose. It’s a precious match and a huge challenge, which we have to be prepared for.
“We come into the game in a good way and I’m convinced we’ll give a good account of ourselves.
“I’m not thinking about our defeat to Sevilla. Our motivation and energy levels have to be above everything else.
“Having games every three days can impact on our performances, but the team are looking good, like they showed in the second half against Sevilla.
“Had we scored to make it 3-1, we would’ve had many chances to come back. We’re ready for the derby.
“I expect a tight match, one that is very demanding and tough, so we’ll have to compete to the fullest if we are to beat a great team who are built for these demands.
“There’s no reason not to smile, the League is long and there will be difficult times, but the team have the courage and desire to get back up.
“We’re in the situation that we want to be in and we’re focused on a derby at our stadium, where we’ll benefit from the drive, spirit and energy of our fans. That’s very important.
“The team have created many chances and will continue to do so. Real Madrid will always be a goalscoring team.
“We have the desire to have a great game and give joy to our fans in a derby against a team like Atletico Madrid.
“Our motivation would’ve been the same without the Super Cup Final.”
Madrid squad to face Atleti: Keylor, Casilla, Courtois, Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Nacho, Reguilon; Kroos, Modric, Casemiro, Marcos Llorente, Asensio, Ceballos; Mariano, Benzema, Bale, Lucas Vazquez, Vinicius
