Raphael Varane appeared at a telematic press conference in the Manchester City-Real Madrid preview of the second leg of the Champions League, where the white team has to go back 1-2 in the first leg if they want to continue in the competition. These are the impressions of the French central.
What is the most important thing for a match like tomorrow in which you have to come back?
We know how difficult it is to win this competition. We are facing a good opponent, who plays and attacks very well. We have to be offensive, but with balance. In these games the important thing is the details and being effective in both areas and having concentration.
Is the team physically and mentally better than in March?
I think we are fine. We have made a very good streak to win the League. It has been a slightly different preparation than what we are used to. We have had more time, like the one you have to prepare the finals. We have worked with concentration. We arrived with the confidence of the latest results and more rest than if it had been played in March. It is always the reality and the truth of a day and tomorrow we are ready to win.
Without Ramos, added pressure? Does it give you extra responsibility?
Sergio is a very important player for us. But we are a group in which we all have our role. I am a player who likes to cover others. I also talk a lot with my colleagues in the locker room at a tactical level. We know Sergio's importance in the whole group and we have to play a great match to qualify.
Guardiola has said they have compared 20 players to Messi, including Benzema. Some have viewed it as a contempt. What do you think?
It is always difficult to make comparisons. We are delighted with Karim. It has been an exceptional season. We know what you have and what you bring to the group. He knows he has complete confidence. I don't like comparisons. The important thing is that Karim has the support of the whole team, the coach and the fans and he will be important in today's match.
In the locker room, what do you think about the comeback?
We know it is a difficult game, against a team that attacks very well, it has speed up. We have a challenge. We always like to play against the best and the Champions League is an opportunity to do. We have to score and win with an advantage. That is not easy, but we believe in our possibilities and we fight to the end.
What has changed from 3-0 in Paris to the end of the season, that Madrid has been the best defense team in the League?
At the beginning of the season we needed more training and games to be shot. Then throughout the season the team has consolidated. We have been more confident and have improved in all aspects. When a team receives few goals it is because the forwards and the media work very well. A solidarity group has been seen. That result made us stronger.
Rodrigo has said that City have a better squad than Real Madrid. Do you agree?
It's his opinion. We are aware of our qualities. We face a very good team. We are going to give it our all to qualify. We are focused on taking care of the details that can make a difference. We will see what happens.
What difference is there between Madrid in the first leg and the league champion? What has been the transformation of the team after the break?
The context is totally different. We have been able to rest in this strange period. We have also worked individually to be physically fit to play every three days after a long break. The professionalism and attitude of the players has been very good.
Are we facing the best Varane on a physical level?
Hopefully not, that the best is ahead. I always want to improve and progress what I can work on in my game. I hope it can still be at a higher level. I work every day to be on this path. The experience of these years makes me better. I want to work to continue improving and that the best Varane is in the future.
They need to score two goals or more. Do they lack a goal?
Tomorrow it is clear that we have to score and attack. Our goal can come from many players, who have different and complementary qualities. Changes can also make a difference in these games. We have a squad that can make a difference in games like these.
Having had one more week of rest and the empty field gives Madrid an advantage?
Rest time is not going to have much influence. Both they and we are used to playing many games and preparing well physically. The empty field is a different context for both teams. The Champions League is a matter of emotions and the fans always give something more. But I think there are no advantages in these things. You have to adapt.