Ronald Koeman spoke in the preview of the Classic this Saturday.
-The emotional component of the Classics is always talked about, but this will be played with an empty door …
-We lack people. It's strange. That there is no one in such a large field is very strange. But little by little you have to get used to it. Hopefully we can have that atmosphere soon, especially in the games against Madrid, which is as if you played with twelve. Hopefully we have them soon.
-You played many Classics. How do you think it is best managed?
-There's always a lot of pressure. I think it does not depend on the result of the last game. Neither for us nor for Madrid. Madrid may not have been at their level in their last two games. But that doesn't mean it comes with low morale. It is a large team, with experienced people. And they themselves know better than anyone that they have to win. I don't think there is any influence from the results of previous games.
-Is Griezmann indisputable?
-Like any player. Griezmann has options to play. But it is not good to discuss their role in each game. It is important and we want him to be at the best level like everyone else. The team is the most important thing. We plan tactical things and choose the best players to get the best possible result for tomorrow.
-You played 14 Clásicos as a footballer. Will it cost you to sleep?
-I hope he sleeps quietly. And of course it is different. The best thing is to play a game on the field, but I can't play anymore. So it is best to be the closer to the field, the better. Of course there is pressure. My feeling is that we are going to play an important game but I am used to this pressure and to sleep peacefully.
-Does it seem normal for a captain to be critical of the club one day after the Classic?
-Gerard has been here for many years. I have been there for two or three months and he has his opinion. I respect your opinion. He's a smart guy and he knows that if he does an interview like this, tomorrow is a game where he's going to be and he's going to play well. He's been many years older than me and he has his opinion. If the player is involved in the subject is important, and he is. Despite this interview.
Do you see Madrid more vulnerable?
I have already said that these players have a lot of experience and they will be there. I do not expect a vulnerable Madrid, on the contrary.
What Real Madrid do you expect, different from the games against Cádiz and Shakhtar?
First, we have to prepare ourselves. They have quality. Sometimes he has played more 4-4-2 and not 4-3-3. Surely they are not going to leave the spaces they have left in recent games. I am going to expect a more compact Madrid, with fewer spaces and, for them, it is important that Ramos is there. He is one of the best and has personality. Ramos can influence.
Could Alba play as a starter?
The player always has the last word. He knows if he is fit to play or not. I also have to speak. We're going to wait. I see everything very positively but you have to wait if there is a reaction. Yes or no. If not, he has a good chance of playing tomorrow.
Will Madrid play with older footballers, and you?
Young people gain experience playing matches. I will pick the best eleven for tomorrow and it is not up to any player.
Do you think the team is especially motivated?
They have shown ambition and hunger. A game against Madrid is always something more. We want to win the game every week.
Is it coming soon?
No. It's an even game. There are two teams with a lot of quality and experience. The only strange thing is that there is no audience, but these matches are decided in details. How can you push the other way and so we can beat them.
How has El Clásico changed in the last 25 years?
Not much has changed. The only thing, that there is no public. They play two greats who always have to fight for titles and if one of the two does not achieve the results there is criticism.
What would it mean to win?
It is important, of course. The players deserve it for the work they are doing every day. They show a lot of ambition, they have been playing on another system. If you win a match, everything is easier.
Can the battle of the pay cut influence?
I'm not worried about it. Because if I see that there is any of that, I go straight to them. It is normal that the club needs to lower wages. And I also understand the players. They have to talk to each other and what I have to do in training is talk. On one side is the extra-sports issue and on the other is your work as a player.
Which Classic do you remember fondly?
I remember 5-0, of course. I got a nice foul. And I also remember that I had to score three penalties in a game and it's not normal. To score three penalties that are two goals … And because it was the first Clásico, it was more special than the others.
What does it mean that Ansu and Vinicius can be important?
They are two players who, despite their age, are very good players. Their trajectory is very fast and they have shown in training and in games. For me the age of the player is not important, but the performance.