Solari: “We’ll have to show all of our intensity, energy and good football against Atletico”

Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari talked to the press in Friday’s press conference and previewed the Madrid Derby against Atletico —Saturday, 15:15 CEST—.

“The opposition plays intense, tactical and energetic football. We’ll have to show all of our intensity, energy and good football in response and take charge from the first moment of the game. We have to go out to compete with all of our weapons from minute one,” said Solari when asked about Atletico.

The coach also talked about the death of 10 Flamengo players and staff after a fire on their training facility.

“I would like to extend my condolences to the family of Emiliano Sala and all those affected by the tragedy in Brazil. Vinicius Jr. is upset, it’s his home so it’s to be expected. It’s very sad news for everyone, especially for the people directly involved and their families, we send them our condolences,” explained Solari.

Isco tweeted this Thursday that he is not having the same chances to play than his teammates, and Solari was also asked about this matter.

“A professional footballer’s job is to train at 100% to be ready to do his bit for the team. The team is in great shape, everyone is working very hard and showing commitment in every session to ensure this group takes the game to the opposition every week, just as we’re showing. Isco left training with some discomfort in his back and we’ll assess him this evening. I have always answered any question asked of me at all my press conferences and I’m always available to respond to you. Football is about hard work and making your talent available to the team. It’s giving 100% in every training session and putting your all into it to be ready whenever you’re called on to play,” said the coach, who also shared his thoughts on Madrid’s busy schedule once again.

“It’s great to be at this stage with such good feeling around the place, the fixtures are increasingly exciting and we face numerous challenges. The most present one is a huge game which will be very hard-fought. We have to go into the game just as focused as we’ve been in recent matches, ready to give it everything we’ve got to put in a performance like we gave against Barcelona, Girona, Sevilla… With the same hunger, energy and good football,” concluded Solari.