Lopetegui: "This Real Madrid team wants to win LaLiga"
"We're in no mood for smiles at present and we aspire to win the league title" affirmed Madrid head coach Julen Lopetegui.
Julen Lopetegui spoke to the media ahead of the Madrid derby which will be staged at the Santiago Bernabeu tomorrow evening with a 2045 (CEST) start.
Do you see the derby as being a test for you?: “When one wears this shirt, every game is special for the players and that applies to the coach too. Tomorrow is no exception and that's how we're preparing the match”.
Do you feel your side are at peak fitness?: “Yes, the team are fine in that aspect despite playing three games in a short space of time. I saw that in the second half of the Sevilla game and on so many occasions people try to look at fitness level when results are not going favourably”.
The derby: “I expect it to be a tight game, demanding and highly competitive. Atletico are a great team with a fine collection of players".
Do you see you side a little 'down in the dumps'? “We're currently in no mood for smiling but we're also well aware that the league campaign is a long one. We're focused on our goal and that is to be league champions and to achieve this we need the support and energy from the fans”.
Conclusions after the Sevilla game: “These we keep to ourselves, it's the same when we win".
Are you happy with things after six games in the current campaign? “I'm happy with the performance of the side. We've only just begin but I'm delighted with the motivation and predisposition the players have shown”.
