Solari: “It’s a blessing to have both Bale and Vinicius”

Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari talked to the press after the team’s solid win against Alaves in La Liga. Solari was asked about who will start alongside Karim Benzema now that his roster is healthy but the coach did not want to reveal his plans.

“I’m not going to tell you the lineup for El Clasico. Today Vinicius has had a great game and he is happy. He’s responding very well when he plays and in training also. We’re delighted with his impact and his projection, always with the support of experienced players who take care of him and advise him. Having Gareth and Vinicius, as well as Marco, Mariano and the others means we always have options. It’s a blessing,” said Solari when asked about his current rotation.

Real Madrid cut Barcelona’s lead in the table down to 8 points and Los Blancos will surely try to put some more pressure on their side.

“Madrid never give up and today we showed hunger to reduce the deficit, just like in previous weeks. We’ll always go out trying to win, regardless of the numbers,” said the coach. “We’re going to fight for everything until the end. Hopefully it will be until the end of the season and until the finals because it will mean that we have a chance of winning things. Today they were hungry to reduce the deficit,” he added.

Real Madrid face Barça in the first leg of the Copa del Rey Semifinals this Wednesday. Solari was asked about the upcoming El Clasico and said that his team will do their very best to advance to the Final.

“There’s always something to pay for. From the start of the season they’re fighting for La Liga, the Champions League... And if you reach these stages of the competitions, you’re fighting for everything. We know the fixtures, we have a lot of experience and we know how to go in to it. We go in to every game like it’s a new one and try to choose the best possible way to win the next game,” concluded the coach.