Carvajal talks Mbappe, Alonso, Vinicius, Valverde, Lamine, future ahead of Barcelona vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid will be looking for their maiden title under Xabi Alonso as they take on Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final tomorrow.

Heading into this game, Real Madrid’s captain, Dani Carvajal, talked about the infamous Lamine Yamal incident in the last match against Barcelona and how the team’s form has fallen since then.

The veteran defender also offered an update on his own fitness while talking about Kylian Mbappe’s potential availability, among other things.

What Carvajal said ahead of El Clasico

Talking about the importance of winning the match against Barcelona, Carvajal highlighted that he also wants to equal Luka Modric’s record of most titles as a player in the club’s history.

“Tomorrow is an important day for us; we want to take this title home. On a personal level, it’s also important for me to equal Luka Modric as the player with the most titles in the club’s history,” he said.

He also talked about the halftime incident with Diego Simeone in the semifinal against Atletico Madrid, choosing not to fuel the controversy further.

“We simply have a mutual respect. We both defend our club to the death. He gave me his impression, and I gave him mine. We are focused on tomorrow’s match; we have the opportunity to win another title. We’ll leave it at that,” he said.

Speaking of controversy, Carvajal was asked about the incident involving Lamine Yamal in the last match against Barcelona.

“You don’t forget anything, do you?. Lamine is a young guy. I think he wasn’t entirely on form in the days leading up to the Clásico. But that’s all.

Carvajal opted to close out the Yamal chapter heading into Sunday’s Clasico. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“Everyone tries to defend their own interests at club level. Lamine is a great guy. Obviously, I don’t wish him the best for tomorrow. But that’s it, I’m not making a big deal out of it,” he said.

However, Carvajal did admit that Real Madrid’s form has declined since the win over Barcelona and that tomorrow will be a chance to reset.

“It’s true that in the final stretch of the year, the team hasn’t been at its best. We’ve also been hampered by a lot of absences.

“The Christmas break has been good for everyone. I see Xabi as calm, with a clear head. It’s true that when the results don’t go your way, there’s always some murmuring. But we’re fully behind him,” he said.

The Real Madrid defender went on to offer an update on his own recovery, having only returned to the pitch.

“I have six or seven structures that have had to be adjusted. It hasn’t been easy. Now, it seems we’re on the right track.

“I’ve mentioned the issue of injuries quite a few times: another World Cup in between, matches every three days, more and more competitions… we players don’t talk for nothing,” he said.

He also offered an update on his future, with his current contract at Santiago Bernabeu expiring at the end of the season.

“I’m coming off a difficult period, a serious injury. What I really want is to train and enjoy playing. The club is on the same page as me. I need to play, to see what level I can show on the pitch. If the club and I are on the same page, there won’t be any problems,” he added.

Recent reports suggest Carvajal is not thinking about a move elsewhere and is focused on his career at Real Madrid.

Nevertheless, the veteran defender talked about Kylian Mbappe and whether or not he can appear in tomorrow’s game.

“Kylian is a very important player for us, he is the best striker in the world and hopefully he can be on the field tomorrow because he can be decisive,” he pointed out.

All eyes will be on Mbappe’s fitness ahead of tomorrow’s final. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Carvajal also talked about his perspective on another player in Vinicius Jr. and Barcelona’s mind games surrounding the Brazilian.

“Vini is mature enough not to get involved in those arguments. I know he likes being teased because he teases back. He thrives in those kinds of situations; he gets motivated,” he stated.

It appears Dani Carvajal is fully focused on beating Barcelona tomorrow, knowing it could be strategically important for the team.

“Winning a final is always an important moment, especially against Barcelona. It’s a positive morale boost for both teams. Whoever wins tomorrow will come out stronger,” he said.

A win against Barcelona may also save the job of Alonso. As someone who has strongly defended him in public, Carvajal was asked whether the treated unfairly by the players.

“The manager is the one who can have his opinion. Fede can give his opinion, I understand that he doesn’t like playing as a full-back, but when he comes on he gives his all in whatever position he’s in. And that’s what I take away from it,” he said.

The Real Madrid captain also had a message to Real Madrid fans heading into this final.

“I would tell them to look back. I come from a very successful career, also from years when nobody gave us a chance… and we’ve done amazing things. We’re focused on tomorrow’s game. We’re very motivated and eager to win the title,” he said.

Carvajal concluded the press conference by admitting he hasn’t prepared for penalties and backed the regular penalty takers of Real Madrid.

““Honestly, no. The experience of our team’s shooters is important. If I were on the field and had the opportunity to shoot, I would like to,” he said.

Source: Diario AS