Lopetegui: “ I have to highlight the mental strength to overcome adversity”

Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui spoke to the press after the team’s convincing 1-4 win in Girona. Los Blancos came back from a 1-0 deficit and a poor first half and ended up completing a solid performance during the second half of the game.

“I want to highlight our mentality, because things got off to a tough start, with our opponents playing really well and Portu, in particularly, at the heart of things. They went ahead and could have scored a second, but the players showed character to regain a foothold. I have to highlight the mental strength to overcome adversity because every game is completely different and that’ll continue to be the case,” said Lopetegui.

Keylor Navas got another start defending Madrid’s goal even though most media outlets reported that Thibaut Courtois was going to take over.

“I’ve got some really good options in goal and there are no problems in that area. We’ll decide what’s best for each game. Keylor got the nod today and did very well. There’s great competition and that makes us stronger in the goalkeeping department. I’ve got some thoughts in my mind, but I’m not going to share them. Over the course of the season, I’ll look for solutions for to solve the next immediate challenge,” explained the coach.

There was some controversy surrounding Marcelo’s substitution. The Brazilian defender said he was completely healthy and ready to complete the game.

“We wanted to tighten things up down that side and focus on being good in the air, an area the opposition are very good in,” said Lopetegui implying that it was a tactical decision.

Real Madrid will face Leganes next week.