Gabi in no doubt: “Modric is Real Madrid's best player...”

Tension bubbling in the capital

How's Griezmann?
I knew someone would ask me this question - yes, I've spoken to him. He's got a nasty knock, and he's got work to do to be able to make it. We are hioing he can withstand the pain and help us on Saturday.

How do you see the game going?
It's a very important game for us, we have managed to be able to compete with Madrid and if we can beat them on Saturday, then we'll put ourselves into the race. Matches immediately after international breaks are usually a bit strange, some players come back with injury problems and I think that will be a key factor this time; I hope everyone goes into the game in the best shape possible. It's difficult to match a team like Madrid - only a few years ago it was unthinkable. There are no favourites, let's hope we can give our people some joy.

What is you best memory of the derby at the Calderón?
The 4-0 - that game wasn't just about the result, that day we were superior to Madrid, not just equal to them as we have been on other days. What a magic game that was to experience...

Madrid have a few injury concerns. Kroos won't make it, Modric is only just back and Ramos hasn't played in a month…
That Madrid are making a massive effort to recover their top players speaks a lot about what we are doing anf how they view us. With Modric, they have recovered their best player - he's the one who makes them play and gives the team balance. We'll try to counter his playmaking skills.