Before the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich, Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal faced the media. He was asked about the role of the coach, Carlo Ancelotti, and said, “honestly, the coach and his staff this year have been a huge part of our success. Above all because of the important departures like Karim [Benzema] and Marco [Asensio] and the injuries to three regular starters. Now we’ve only lost two games and are two games from winning the Champions League. They’ve kept our eyes open and we’ve all been able to contribute, some with more minutes than others, and that helps to achieve the objectives.”
Carvajal on how to motivate himself for this game
“I’m very proud to have played so many games with this shirt, and I hope that tomorrow is special. When you play a semi-final second leg in front of your fans, it motivates you to focus to the max and especially against a legendary club, to try to beat them and get to London.”
Carvajal on the sense of euphoria
“There’s obviously euphoria because we’re having a great season and have only lost two games, and we’re very excited about the European Cup because we’re only two games away. Madridistas congratulate us on the street and that motivates us to knock out Bayern and dream about a 15th title.”
Carvajal on the trophy presentation on Sunday
“At the end of the day, our job is to win the games and when they give us the trophy we will celebrate. We’ll show it to our fans whenever we and the club think is best, but for now we are focused on tomorrow’s game which is as demanding as they come.”
Carvajal on what he’d say to his younger self
“You’ve made my hair stand on end. What would I say? Many times I try to reflect on that Dani Carvajal with so much hope and excitement and playing like a kid is what frees you up on the field to make you believe and have confidence.”
Carvajal on not celebrating the league title
“The demands of being at the best club in the world are maximum. We didn’t depend on ourselves at the weekend and we have a big game tomorrow, so we are focused on that and that’s why we took that decision. We have time to celebrate after.”
Carvajal on his role in the squad
“The role of each player evolves within the squad, both on and off the field, and I think now I’m one of the veterans and captains so I try to be an example and hope they can talk to me about anything, so they don’t get distracted and we all row in the same direction to bring success close like we have this year.”
Carvajal on Vinícius Júnior
“Vini has improved in every aspect, finishing, physically, in his maturity playing, when to attack space and when to ask for it to his feet. We know that Vini works a lot, outside of Valdebebas too, with his physio and coaching, and it’s helping him to be one of the best in the world and I hope tomorrow that helps us to get through.”
Carvajal on what a young player needs to succeed at Real Madrid
“It’s true that a few years ago I was one of those young players. You need to have all five senses open to the veterans. Young players now come very well prepared to come to this club. I would tell them to be patient, it can be tough to see one or two seasons without being a regular starter, and it helps you to be prepared for when the moment comes.”
Carvajal on how the system has helped him
“We have more room to get forward with more players moving inside, so I can offer more offensively. The system adapts to the players the coach picks, and to the opponent. Wherever we are chosen to play we will do that, and with the quality we have, we will do that.”
Carvajal on if he is scared of facing Bayern
“The coach is always more scared, no? I’m excited to try and face a big rival, I’m looking forward to it, to having dinner with our team-mates tonight and watching the other semi-final. You have to enjoy these moments because you’ll remember it when this is over. Last week I traveled with the team even though I couldn’t play and I enjoyed it. Tomorrow, I will try to do that too, to focus on enjoying and not losing energy on nerves.”
Carvajal on players who could
“Well, it’s difficult to know the situation of each player. We’re focused on the end of the season, which will come, but I’m very happy here, and we have to enjoy the end of the season. If one of our team-mates has to play their last Champions League game at the Bernabéu, I hope they can win to enjoy it.”
Carvajal on the last decade of success
“The demands of this club mean that we always want more. Looking back, when I arrived 11 years ago, we’ve had an impressive decade in terms of titles and achievements, but I hope we can extend that beyond tomorrow.”
