“Alright. We’ve put a programme in place with the coach. I’ve had a bit of pain for the last three weeks. We’re trying to keep it under control so that I can play this weekend. Everything is going according to plan. I’ll resume training Thursday afternoon. I’ve got a little strain and it’s been hanging around for two or three weeks. It’s not too serious and I’ll be able to play this weekend.” You are one of the leaders of the squad. Has you changed since the start of the season?
“I shout more. I need it and so do my teammates. We’re all in the same boat. When something isn’t going right, you have to speak up. If my teammates have an opinion about me, they should speak up – same if they need me. I don’t have all the answers. I’m just a human being and another player first and foremost. I’m happy the way the squad seems to have realised the reality of certain things. It’s important for the future.”
After your amazing career, is Sunday’s Clasico still a source of extra motivation for you?
“I’m still a competitor. These are the matches you always want to play. It’s a chance for the young players to see what a big match is all about. I’d love to play these types of matches every weekend! OM are better than us, in terms of the standings, the quality of their play and their ambitions. We need to play like we did at the start of the season. We need to be at 200 per cent!” The squad is heading to the countryside on Friday until the game on Sunday…
“It’s a good thing. I’ve always thought this was a good thing. It’s a chance for the players to begin their mental preparation for the game two days early. A game needs a week’s preparation. That’s what being a professional footballer is all about, thinking first and foremost about your job.” Will a win save the season?
“No, I don’t think the result will change our season. We’re just taking it one game at a time. But we really need the win. Most people think we’re all fine with the current situation. The reality is quite the contrary, we’re not happy. We have to keep our heads down and keep on working until the end of the season.”
