Solari: "Bale has eaten up everything today"
Santiago Solari gave his thoughts to the press after Real Madrid’s victory over the Kashima Antlers in the semi-final of the Club World Cup.
Feelings after the game: "Very good, happy for Bale’s three goals, and for the strength and consistency of the team. Even at the beginning, when Kashima set the pace of the game, we knew how to stay in control and dominate, and then score. And with the second goal we were able to put the game into our hands.”
Thoughts going into to the final: "We go with the same ambition as always. Real Madrid always comes out to win finals. And it is also a reward for this team that is giving so much joy to Madrid fans and achieving feats like winning three Champions League titles in a row. Closing it with three Club World Cups would be great for everyone involved at Madrid"
Experience of the Club World Cup: "I already said that I love this competition. I think that bringing together the champions of the different confederations is a beautiful idea. I have great memories. I have been lucky to come back several times. It is special for me.”
Bale “eating up the pitch” as he had previously demanded: "He has eaten up everything today. He has shown what he is and what he is capable of doing. We are all happy. Let him rest and eat up another game and pitch. The whole team has done a very important job. We had our heads held high to the required level today. And it wasn’t easy. "
Concerns about Al Ain playing as they have up to now: "I’m not worried about that. I hope they are competitive. No one can get to a final without doing well. They beat the New Zealand team and River and are in the final because they deserve it."
Marcelo’s reintroduction after injury: "It's normal that he has been irregular for the amount of injuries he has had. He needs continuity to take shape slowly. That's difficult. He has already competed in a few games in a row and I hope to see a better version of him, even though he has been good today. He has to continue pushing and striving more in attack and defence. With regards to defence, I'll take care of telling him that.”
Regrets about bringing on Asensio after he picked up an injury: "These are things that happen in football. He came on and got injured and that happens. Hopefully he is not badly injured. Let's see what the tests say, because he is an important player for us."
