Diop: “Real Madrid play the League and we play life”

It is one of the indisputable of Mendilibar in the center of the field. His seniority makes him feel calmer in Eibar's delicate qualifying situation. Diop (35 years old in March, Kaolack, Senegal) has turned into life insurance in Ipurua. He recently lost his father and the news shocked the Barça dressing room, where the African midfielder is a beloved and respected guy.

How has this time been without competition?

It went well, with great enthusiasm and enthusiasm, although we have trained fewer people because of the teammates who have gone with their teams.

Are they mentally okay?

Yes, and also there is no other. We have ten finals ahead of us and if we are not mentally strong in each one of them, we are going to complicate our lives more. From my experience I know that these things can happen, and I know that it is one of the most competitive leagues, and it will cost us all, although from the beginning of the season we knew that this year we would have to suffer more than other seasons. But there is still, and what counts is the end.

Do you see the team and the coach motivated for this tough final sprint?

Yes, sure, sure. We were already aware of the difficulty. It is true that we did not think we were going to have such a bad streak, but the past is past. We can no longer recover those lost points, although we have deserved more, but in the end the League puts you where you deserve. Now we hope that it will leave us with three teams behind.

Have you been surprised by Luis Enrique's performance and call to Bryan Gil?

It doesn't surprise me at all. We train with him and watch the games he does. He is not afraid to play the football he likes, and he is one of the best wingers in the entire League, so it is logical that he is in the national team. He's a different guy.

Real Madrid arrives …

It is always difficult to play against them. The League is being played, but we are risking our lives and we are going to compete. The ten games that remain are going to be very difficult.

How do you see Zidane's team?

It is true that they have had some stages in which they have failed, but when they put their entire level on the field, it is very difficult to hurt them. Also, now Benzema makes a difference, because he is in an incredible moment of form, but I hope that Saturday will not have his best day.

Modric is another veteran for whom it seems that time does not pass …

The Modric thing is incredible. And I think it is an example for young people, to see that if you do things well, you can be at that level despite your age.

What can be the secret to scoring?

That they do not have their best day, that we have a little luck and success in the face of the goal, but without thinking about what Madrid is, but knowing that it is one more game. One point would be great. We have to win, but we have to keep adding. We are not going to fool ourselves, a draw against such a team would be welcome.