Coach, when your team was in a difficult position after losing to Bayern Munich in the league phase last season, did you still have your sights set on winning the competition?
"I have to be honest, it was almost impossible to think about winning the final. We created a lot of chances but couldn't score. We addressed the problem by asking ourselves, 'Why not focus on something else? Why not look for the best-placed player in the box?' I think our statistics changed after that, the wins came without pushing and we regained our confidence."
Thanks to this confidence and team spirit, you made it all the way to the final. Can you give us your thoughts on that match?
"It was in one of the most beautiful stadiums in Europe, the kind of match everyone dreams of playing in. I remember asking my players to give 105 per cent, not 120 per cent, because this kind of match can overwhelm you. In this final, everything went very well. We have a trait that I think defines us: we always continue to play the same way, whether we win or lose."
People talk about the assists and the goals, but the defensive solidity and the work to win back the ball was just as incredible...
"We always score goals, but we've improved our defensive mentality, starting from the front line, and I think that's what clearly made the difference compared to other top-level opponents. The player at the forefront of the attack is the one who leads the pressing."
How did you feel on the bench? And what was going through your mind when you saw your team dominating?
"Until it's 4-0, you're not relaxed. These are special matches where the tension can overwhelm you, and I think the players were sensational in managing that tension."
When the final whistle blew, everyone was very emotional. The players and their families were crying...
"It was a very special moment, and it was great to be able to share it with my family, but we want more. We want to continue to grow as a team, make our fans proud and experience a moment like this again."
What is the goal for this new season?
"The goal is first and foremost to improve as a team, both in attack and defence. We can still identify areas of our game where we can improve. In terms of titles, we want to be ready to compete for them all. We all believe we can win them and repeat the feat this season, which would make us go down in history in spectacular fashion. That's what motivates us the most."