Forlán: 'We have a badge and a shirt to defend against Real Madrid'
'Earning points against Mourinho’s team is a challenge'
Diego Forlán is very motivated to break Atlético’s poor streak against Real Madrid. The striker knows that defeating Mourinho’s side won’t be easy, but is confident. “Earning the points is a challenge. It’s a nice match; the supporters and the players get motivated, and even though we know it will be complicated, we’re going to do everything we can to win,” stated the player.
Real Madrid will be coming off their victory over Lyon in Champions League. In spite of that, Forlán doesn’t think that the ‘blancos’ will feel the fatigue in Saturday’s clash. “They’re used to playing in two competitions. I don’t think that match will have an effect on them. They have more than enough motivation to play in two competitions,” he assured.
The Atlético de Madrid forward continued to speak about the derby and Madrid’s manager, Mourinho. Forlán believes that “he’s one of the best coaches in the world and has shown that at all of the teams he’s been at. Real Madrid has a great squad. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best in the world, and they also have an amazing keeper in Casillas. They defend very well, and their midfield players are very good.”
Despite the fact that Atlético de Madrid haven’t beaten Real Madrid in a long time, Forlán believes that “all streaks are broken. There are no favourites and anything can happen on the pitch. We’ve already defeated Barcelona by playing complete games and we’ll have to defend really well against Madrid. We have a badge and a shirt to defend.”
The footballer highlighted what he believes to be the keys to winning the three points, pointing out that “we have to play a complete match. We have the squad to play a good game, a complete game, and be at a high standard. We can’t make mistakes in defence and we have to be accurate in attack.”
The Uruguayan has been suffering from various physical problems all season, and although he feels better he stated that “it’s been a tough year. I’ve had lots of problems and I haven’t been able to play at 100%, but now I feel better.”
The forward took advantage of his presence before the press to make it clear that “I’m content with the contract I have. I have two more years and I’m happy. There have always been rumours about my departure since I arrived. I don’t want to leave and I think that I’ll continue at Atlético de Madrid next year. I have big challenges and I’m at a big Club in a city that I love. The directors know that and I want to stay. There’s nothing more to talk about. I’m an honest person. You ask me and the only difference is that I say what I think; that’s why people criticize me. Other players think the same and say it in another way.”
He also wanted to play down the information published in a media outlet that reported that his teammates didn’t pass him the ball during games. “I didn’t pay much attention to it. We all have a good relationship on the pitch, every one has their own style of play. We know that Reyes like to have the ball. Kun dribbles a lot and I can be a one or two-touch type of player. We know each other and how each one players. There aren’t any problems,” he asserted.
To finish, he had words of encouragement for Barcelona defender Abidal. “It’s bad news that hit us hard when we found out. I hope that the operation goes well and that we can see him back soon,” Forlán concluded.
Real Madrid will be coming off their victory over Lyon in Champions League. In spite of that, Forlán doesn’t think that the ‘blancos’ will feel the fatigue in Saturday’s clash. “They’re used to playing in two competitions. I don’t think that match will have an effect on them. They have more than enough motivation to play in two competitions,” he assured.
The Atlético de Madrid forward continued to speak about the derby and Madrid’s manager, Mourinho. Forlán believes that “he’s one of the best coaches in the world and has shown that at all of the teams he’s been at. Real Madrid has a great squad. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best in the world, and they also have an amazing keeper in Casillas. They defend very well, and their midfield players are very good.”
Despite the fact that Atlético de Madrid haven’t beaten Real Madrid in a long time, Forlán believes that “all streaks are broken. There are no favourites and anything can happen on the pitch. We’ve already defeated Barcelona by playing complete games and we’ll have to defend really well against Madrid. We have a badge and a shirt to defend.”
The footballer highlighted what he believes to be the keys to winning the three points, pointing out that “we have to play a complete match. We have the squad to play a good game, a complete game, and be at a high standard. We can’t make mistakes in defence and we have to be accurate in attack.”
The Uruguayan has been suffering from various physical problems all season, and although he feels better he stated that “it’s been a tough year. I’ve had lots of problems and I haven’t been able to play at 100%, but now I feel better.”
The forward took advantage of his presence before the press to make it clear that “I’m content with the contract I have. I have two more years and I’m happy. There have always been rumours about my departure since I arrived. I don’t want to leave and I think that I’ll continue at Atlético de Madrid next year. I have big challenges and I’m at a big Club in a city that I love. The directors know that and I want to stay. There’s nothing more to talk about. I’m an honest person. You ask me and the only difference is that I say what I think; that’s why people criticize me. Other players think the same and say it in another way.”
He also wanted to play down the information published in a media outlet that reported that his teammates didn’t pass him the ball during games. “I didn’t pay much attention to it. We all have a good relationship on the pitch, every one has their own style of play. We know that Reyes like to have the ball. Kun dribbles a lot and I can be a one or two-touch type of player. We know each other and how each one players. There aren’t any problems,” he asserted.
To finish, he had words of encouragement for Barcelona defender Abidal. “It’s bad news that hit us hard when we found out. I hope that the operation goes well and that we can see him back soon,” Forlán concluded.