Dani Carvajal: “We’re with Zidane to death, that’s his main philosophy — unity”

Dani Carvajal is closing in on a return to full competitive action. The fullback has been seen on the pitch at Valdebebas in the last few training sessions and expects to return just after the international break. In a new interview with MARCA, Carvajal spoke about his injury, the club’s recent results, Zidane, and his optimism for the season.

Recovery Process

“I’m doing much better after my entire ligament broke. The recovery process was expected to be ten weeks and I am on week six, feeling much better. I hope I can be ready to play and at Zidane’s disposal after the international break.”

“I was really scared about this injury at first, my leg was going forward and my body was going backward, and I heard a snapping sound. But fortunately it wasn’t as bad as I first expected. I was praying during the MRI that it was not a serious injury and fortunately I was relieved with the results”

Support for Zidane

“We’re with Zidane to death - the club, the players, the manager, the staff, we’re all really united. That’s Zidane’s main philosophy, unity, that all of us go in the same direction. It’s always been this way with all the years he has been here.”

Watching from the Stands

“You suffer so much more watching from the outside - you have no idea. When you are out, you suffer tenfold. In the end, you can’t do anything to help your teammates. Being on the outside can’t be compared to playing.”

Inconsistent Results

“It’s not easy for a club to have consistency when players get injured all the time, especially at Madrid where the players are internationals who play with their countries every few weeks, there’s a game every 3 days and they get no rest. There are a lot of games and it’s complicated. As an example, after the break, we will have to travel to Italy, Seville, and then Ukraine in just over 7 days.”

“You can beat Inter Milan who are a very good team, then lose to Valencia a few days later, and people will start talking about a crisis. That’s football, you can’t win every game.”

“I understand that it’s tough for Madridistas that we don’t win every game, but that’s football these days, every team is competitive and physically strong.”

Message to Madrid Fans

“I am optimistic because of what I see and what I feel. I think the team is very committed, all the players, and all the coaching staff, have support and back each other. What I want to say to Madridistas, is that they shouldn’t doubt us. We’re Real Madrid, and in March, we’ll still be alive in every competition.”

Contract Renewal

“My contract ends in 2022, and we’re talking to the club to extend it, but it’s not easy right now because of the tough financial situation the club is in, because of COVID-19. The club is struggling financially, and with the stadium closed, there isn’t a lot of income, so it’s up to us to stand with the club and help them. The contract extension isn’t important right now.”