Gabi: This Atléti team does not give up
Atlético captain Gabi spoke to the press ahead of the Champions League clash against Real Madrid, and remained bullish about the possibility of a comeback.
Atlético Madrid’s captain, Gabi, spoke to the press ahead of his team’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday evening (20:45) at the Calderón. Los Rojiblancos have a 3-0 deficit to overturn from the first leg at the Bernabéu.
Find out how and where to watch the high-stakes Madrid derby.
Gabi: This Atléti team does not give up
"This team does not give up. It’s difficult to think about what we’re feeling, but this team is keen to perform. If we’re missing anything as a team, it’s a big comeback, and it [Wednesday] is going to be the day.
We have to play better than we did the other day, and to mount a comeback we’ll need emotional balance."
Gabi also spoke of the Atléti fans, who earlier this week delivered an impassioned presentation of what it means to be a supporter.
"The other day, before it was 3-0, you could hear 4000 people singing the club anthem, and it gave me goose bumps. We have to reach their level."
Atlético 'will have to be solid'
In terms of Los Rojiblancos' game-plan, Gabi said: "We will have to be solid and compact, when we changed our style of play, it didn’t go well for us. The aim is to win, play in the opposition’s territory as much as possible, and create chances from set pieces."
I am proud to play in the Champions League semi-finals and we have to try to turn it around, although we know that they are (Madrid) a powerful team."
Sergio Ramos speaks of values
Gabi was dismissive of Sergio Ramos' interpretation of Atlético's values. The Madrid captain was eager to remind that some Real Madrid players have emerged from humble origins.
"It has nothing to do with where you’re brought up, money, or humility. I don’t know if Sergio has understood the message", Gabi cut in response.
Atlético boss Diego Simeone has stated that he does not need to motivate his team to beat Madrid.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has said that 'every game is a final' for his side.
