Solari: “We’re back on our feet ready to play another Clasico”

Real Madrid host Barcelona once again but this time it’s in La Liga and coach Santiago Solari talked to the press ahead of this El Clasico.

“We’re back on our feet, wanting to pick up more points. The fixture list and destiny wanted us to be up against the same opponents, again the big Clásico of Spanish football. We’re going in to it with the same desire and the same spirit as in the previous match, trying to improve the things we must improve and to sustain the things we did well. It’s very nice to see the Bernabéu at its best like the other day. They know they also play the game,” said Solari.

Real Madrid are no less than 9 points behind Barça in the table but Solari refuses to give up.

“We have to always think about the next game, regardless of whether it’s the LaLiga Clásico. We want to reduce the distance at the top, but even if it weren’t the Clásico we’d still give it our full attention because it’s the next game. The next game is always the most important. It’s what the players are focussed on. This is a sport that is played with the heart, the head and the legs and we have to put everything in to the next game,” added the coach.

Solari was also asked about Sergio Ramos, who will be forced to miss the next two games in the Champions League with a suspension.

“I’m not going to go over it because we have a league match. On Monday we can talk about that if you want. We have time to talk about that after this game. Now we have to put all our focus on to tomorrow’s game. We have to play well, try to reduce the points deficit, repeat what we did well and fine-tune what we have to refine and score,” explained Solari.

The coach also shared his thoughts on players like Asensio, Bale and Marcelo, who were expected to have a major role this season yet they’re sitting on the bench more often than not.

“I don’t agree that they don’t have a leading role. Gareth has played every game since he came back and has scored several goals. He has been decisive in previous seasons and in the last Champions League. We all know what Marcelo means to this team. Asensio was injured for a long time and since he came back he played 8 of 9 games and scored the goal that gives us an advantage against Ajax. All the players are important, not just the ones that start. A tournament is won with the complete squad, there are 25 players and everyone has had minutes, some more than others because that’s inevitable. We have almost everyone available and we also want to have Llorente back, the only one who’s still out,” concluded Solari.