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Carlos Henrique Casemiro was the exclusive guest for Spanish radio’s Onda Cero last night. The questions ranged from Real Madrid’s preseason loss to the form of Odegaard and Valverde. Managing Madrid have broken down the interview below:
Zidane: “He has made us believe that we are all important, we are all prepared. Zidane has evolved a lot as a coach. Is he lucky? I laugh when people say that - we have and will continue making history with the best coach we could have. Zidane knows how to speak very well as a coach, he knows what each player needs. He has always give me peace of mind.”
Supporting Gareth Bale: “ I am an advocated of Bale. He is a great player. What he does off the field, I don’t care about. His goals have delivered us titles.
Reaction to Real Madrid’s pre-season loss to Atletico: “When I saw my team lose 7-3 - I decided that I couldn’t continue my vacation and go to Disney World. That’s why I returned earlier than expected.”
Significance of the #14 at Madrid: “I chose the #14 because of Guti and Xabi Alonso, those who made history at Real Madrid.”
La Liga or UCL: “The league is what shows consistency throughout the year, it’s every weekend, but when the Bernabeu has the Champions League anthem, Madrid is different. I prefer the Champions League.”
Being a defensive midfielder: “For me, the goal is to steal the ball and the Bernabeu celebrates it in the same way. You enjoy football just as much in every position, my goal is to steal the ball. I enjoy stealing the ball and helping my team-mates.”
Becoming a reference in Madrid: I am a reference? Well, what I want is to continue playing and enjoying the sport. I feel important because I think I am one of the three players that has played the most minutes this season. A player learns every day, until he retires, every day we learn something new. I know I am important to this club and I know I am important to Zidane”
Neymar transfer saga: I wanted Neymar to join Real Madrid last summer, I speak to him almost every day, he’s a great player.”
The rise of Fede Valverde: “I think he’s a great player, he’s going to be a lot better than he is now. He’s taking over everything and the best is that he’s a Real Madrid player. He doesn’t ever want to lose, he will be one of the best no. 8’s in the world!”
Ødegaard: “Real Madrid have always believed in him and he’s having a great season. I have to congratulate him because he’s having an incredible year. It is not for me to say whether or not he’ll be playing at Madrid next year.”
Hazard: “Eden is very good, one of those who has surprised me the most, he has something that nobody has, he thinks ahead, he will give us a lot.”
Players that have impressed the most: “Marcelo and Hazard. In Brazil, I would say Coutinho, Neymar, Vinicius, and Rodrygo — I play in the best teams in the world”
Casemiro has been indispensable this season and has evolved into one of the leaders of the team. His attitude is exemplary and he has positioned himself to become one of the future captains of the club. Zidane and the whole of Real Madrid will be counting on his influence with big matches ahead against Manchester City and FC Barcelona.