Eduardo Camavinga’s pre-game press conference ahead of Leipzig in the Champions League

Once Carlo Ancelotti had finished his media duties ahead of Real Madrid’s game against RB Leipzig, it was the turn of midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. The Frenchman played in Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw with Valencia in LaLiga and as expected, plenty of the questions focussed on that game. As well as this, he was also quizzed about Kylian Mbappé, a player who has been heavily linked with Real Madrid over the years.

Camavinga’s thoughts on the challenge ahead of the game against Leipzig: It’s a very important match. Before the game we have to play with passion in front of our fans. I just want to win.

Have you spoken to Kylian Mbappé? Do you want me to tell you the truth? I haven’t spoken to him and I don’t know what he’s going to do next season.

His thoughts on the referee’s performance against Valencia: I didn’t understand Bellingham’s sanction. He didn’t insult anyone, I don’t know what’s going to happen. It was very strange, I’ve never seen it in football. It was very, very strange.

On giving advice to Vinicius Jr, who scored two against Valencia: He is a person who is always with me. He is a good person. He has scored goals with the way he is.

What differences to you notice between LaLiga games and Champions League? It’s a different competition. In this competition everyone wants to win and it’s shorter than LaLiga. The level is also different.

Can you convince Ancelotti that Camavinga and Tchouaméni can play together on the pitch at the same time? Of course, [we’re going to convince Carlo]. When we play together, we play well.

Mbappé's potential transfer to Madrid: Shall I tell you the truth again? Mbappé is not our player, and I will respect PSG. I don’t talk about that. I don’t know what’s going to happen, that’s the truth.

Who is your best teammate on the pitch and in the dressing room? We are a very young group. We’re used to doing things outside of soccer. I’m happy with any teammate, I want to play with everyone!

Tchouaméni plays the piano, do you have any hidden hobbies? I can play the piano and sing, I can do a lot of things! It’s not a talent, but I do it.

Do you prefer to play as a pivot or inside midfielder? I like to play more as a pivot, but I can play further forward.

What do you need to improve? I need to have more concentration, goals, assists and more focus. I also have to improve my right foot.

What is your opinion on Tchouaméni’s new position [as centre-back]? I laugh a lot. I was in the same situation last year. When he played as a central defender, I told him that’s how it starts! He’s a strong defender, but he’s a midfielder.

What do you take from Modric, Kroos and Bellingham? From Kroos, I take his calmness and his long ball quality. Jude has a lot of calm and quality. Luka has magic, it’s what he has.

Are Real Madrid in the Champions League? We are always favourites in this competition.

In two weeks, will you ask Mbappé to sign for Madrid? I only go to the national team for fun. I’m sure we’ll talk about but but he won’t tell us anything about his future.

How will the team face tomorrow’s match? Thank you! You are the first person to ask me about tomorrow’s match! We are going to do everything to score more goals, not sit back.

Real Madrid take on RB Leipzig on Wednesday March 6 with kick off at 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. Los Blancos go into the game with a slim, 1-0 lead on aggregate after Brahim’s solo goal in the first leg saw them leave Germany with a win. You can follow the second leg live with AS USA.