Cannavaro to Grada Blanca
Fabio Cannavaro is a firm believer in the chances the team has to win the league title. The Italian defender told Grada Blanca that the team can’t afford to make any mistakes in La Liga.
How do you feel from the muscle contracture that didn’t allow you to travel to Bilbao?
I feel much better. I rested the days after the game and began training in the gym on Tuesday. I rejoined the squad on Wednesday.
You must be in optimum form to face Almeria…
I hope so, but Juande will decide if I play.
Will the match at the Bernabeu be very different to the game you drew in Almeria?
It will be different because we will host the game and we can’t afford to fail. We’ll have to do whatever it takes to win because our future in La Liga depends on it.
What worries you the most of Almeria?
They can complicate things for us. They will be motivated to play in an important stadium like the Bernabeu. They will fight to dominate every inch of the pitch and to keep possession. We must play a clever game and use their mistakes to our advantage. Winning is what really counts.
The fans’ support must be essential for such a triumph…
We are nothing without the people that pack the Bernabeu every weekend. They are an important part of our fight to win the league title.
The team overcame the Anfield defeat in Bilbao. Real Madrid weren’t as bad as people said they were in Liverpool, but people shouldn’t praise the team exceedingly now either. It is better to focus on one game at a time.
It’s essential to go step by step. We have to continue working as we’ve done so far. We must forget about the Liverpool defeat and move on.
The team has eleven ‘finals’ left in its fight to win La Liga…
They will all be complicated. The Bernabeu game against Barcelona stands out, but we also have to travel to Seville, Valencia… We will do our best in all of the eleven finals.
Is the team anxious about the rematch with Barcelona?
We are anxious to win the game. Victory is essential. They are currently ahead of us on the table and defeating them would have a strong impact.
Do you think playing in three competitions could hinder Barcelona?
I hope it does. They will drop one competition or another at some point and I hope it turns out to be the league.
Is the squad ready to win the league title?
That’s our goal. We have a game every seven days, giving us a whole week to study our opponents. I’m sure we will make good use of this advantage.
You are comeback specialists…
Our fans must have faith in us until the very end of the championship. I’m sure good things will come if we continue to work this well.
What would you like to say to the fans to make them believe in a comeback?
I would ask them to have faith in us. This is a very strange season during which we’ve had two coaches and two Presidents, but the important thing is that we are still working hard. I’m sure we will win the title if we put up a good fight.
You’ve won a league title in every season you’ve played for the Club. Do you think you’ll win again?
I hope so. Winning is great; you get used to it and want more. I wouldn’t be bad to win three consecutive league titles.
What’s surprised you the most about Spain so far?
I’ve had a great experience in this country. I’ve had the chance to meet new people and celebrate titles with my team-mates. I’ve been given the chance to share a dressing room with great players like Casillas, Raul, Guti, Pepe… I am very happy in Madrid.
Which team-mate has impressed you the most?
Sergio Ramos has impressed me considerably. His strength and quality will make Real Madrid fans very happy. This team has a perfect blend of young players and veterans.
Your experience and success have made you a squad leader and a fan favourite…
My contract ends in June and we will fight for the league title to the end. We’ll see what happens next.
What’s your fondest memory of your time at Real Madrid?
The relationship I have with the people of Madrid. It’s priceless and very important to me.
Just another Madridista
Junta speak