Courtois and Mbappé
“Courtois had some discomfort and wanted to continue, but it wasn’t necessary to take any risks because in four days we have another final: a very important derby and a very challenging match. The good thing is also having a goalkeeper like Lunin, who has been frankly good in the second half and has been solid. From here, I want to congratulate him because what he does every time he gets the opportunity to defend Real Madrid’s goal isn’t easy. As for Mbappé, I’m very happy to see him on the pitch. I saw him fast. It seemed to me in that action it was a penalty and that he started very well. He’s had very good sensations, and we’ll see what we do by Sunday.”

Bayern in the Quarter-Finals
“We have to wait until tomorrow, but it looks like they will qualify, and they are one of the most in-form teams in Europe for how they are playing football, the level they are showing both in the League and the Champions. It will be as difficult as this tie, knowing we have the return match in Munich. Let’s focus first on Atlético, then Mallorca, and when Bayern arrives, with the same mentality we’ve faced this tie.”

The Return of Injured Players
“If there’s something we need to take away from these last matches, it’s that this is the path, no matter who is on the pitch. I’m not just talking about the Champions but also the League. We’ve already experienced that when we’re not 100% as a team, as a unit, anyone can beat us. We’re aware that we are Real Madrid, but nowadays, you have to fight and sacrifice to beat anyone. Moreover, this crest and this jersey demand that we give everything on the pitch as these players have done today.”

Huijsen’s Performance
“It’s been as good as the rest of his teammates individually, and I’m very happy with how well he’s doing.”

What have you learned since coaching Real Madrid?
“I could write you a book if you want, but every day at Real Madrid is a learning experience, and for me, even more so. I’m getting to know my team, my players, and seeing how to get the best performance out of all of them. Making them understand how important it is to be a great team and that without effort, there’s no reward. Surely I have much more to learn, and hopefully, it will be while winning.”

Arda Güler
“We knew they would come out pressing the first 15 minutes and that we needed to hold onto the ball more, but players like Güler, Huijsen, and Thiago had a positive impact and gained experience in these types of matches. I’m very happy. Now we have to face Bayern with confidence.”

Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.