Higuain press conference
Real Madrid’s top scorer and assist-man, Gonzalo Higuain offered Thursday’s press conference and made it clear that he believes in the team’s chances of winning La Liga.
The team’s next visit is to a difficult stadium where keeping the streak alive may be a challenge.
Just like all our remaining matches, but the team is in good form and we want to stay on course with a win in Huelva.
Two years ago a great run of yours in that same stadium finished with a goal by Roberto Carlos. How do you remember it?
It was a great moment because it gave us the win. They pulled level at two and we had the league in play. It’s a great memory and I hope something similar happens on Saturday.
Does anyone believe that Barcelona won’t slip up?
We know we’re on the right track. Barcelona have a lot of matches to play and we believe they will stumble at some point. We have a great team and are committed to winning La Liga.
Xavi said the treble is within grasp. What are your thoughts?
I don’t think it’s an exaggeration. They are very much alive in all three competitions and are playing very well, but this is football and anything can happen. We’ll be right on their heels in case they do slip up.
Might that slip-up take place against Getafe?
It is possible. But for it to help us we must win in Huelva.
You have played a decisive role down the stretch in recent years. May that moment be at the Bernabeu against Barcelona this year?
I hope I score against Barcelona at the Bernabeu, but we must first win the matches that come before.
Did your goal against Malaga boost your morale enough for the end of the season and a possible call-up by Argentina?
I hope. Scoring is very important for a forward. I am happy because the team is in good form and I am playing. I hope I get that call, but I don’t think about it on a regular basis.
There’s been a lot of talk about signings for next season. How do you see yourself affected by whatever happens?
I see myself here. I have a contract until 2013. There is always talk about players coming and going, but you have to stay calm and collected in such situations.
It’s rumored that Arsenal have expressed interest in you.
I am happy that great teams have taken notice, but I am happy here and want to stay for a long time.
Did you see Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal?
A fantastic goal.
What are your thoughts on the presence of English teams in the Champions League?
The Premier deserves a lot of credit. It’s among the best and its teams have proved it.
What more do you need to do to be called up by Argentina?
Honestly, I think I have been clear about the national team. My heart belongs to Argentina, so I hope to get that call.
Casillas stated that Madrid needs more competitive players to do better in Europe. Do you agree?
I think many things are taken out of context. Iker is the best goalkeeper in the world and I don’t want to create any controversy with him. Everyons is entitled to an opinion. We’re not in it because we weren’t able to make it to the next round. Madrid will recover its European prestige, and I hope it happens next season.
Huntelaar to Sportsweek
In statements made to Sportsweek, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar declared that he is convinced Real Madrid can win the league title this season. According to the striker, it is crucial that the Whites maintain or reduce Barcelona’s six-point lead before the Clasico.
We have our chances and it would be foolish for us to throw in the towel. Personally, I will do everything that I can. I believe blindly that we can win the league title,” said Huntelaar, who has scored eight goals for Real Madrid. It is the minimum that we have to do; if we can reach the derby with the gap at six then we can build. Before, they have more games at home and their fixtures seem easier, but if we close the gap to three then anything can happen.
Wesley Sneijder to Realmadrid.com
Although the first to admit he’s not in the best of form, Wesley Sneijder knows everything will come in due course, including a the league title if the team maintains its winning streak alive.
Next on tap are Recreativo.
It’s an important match. We have eight games left and all are finals. We must stay on course and try to reduce the lead as much as possible. We cannot suffer any setbacks.
How do you feel heading into the final stretch of the season?
I feel good. I feel perfect physically and am ready to help the team with anything it needs. I am working hard, as is the entire squad.
What has allowed the team to put together this impressive run?
We are winning almost every match. We are playing well and as a team. We have good and bad games, but we are able to fight and win like we did against Valladolid. That’s been the key. We work as a close-knit team.
Is the Clasico at the Bernabeu the most important match of the season and will it decide La Liga?
It appears to be the most important, but if we take care of business it shouldn’t be any more important than the rest. We have eight finals left including trips to Sevilla, Valencia and Villarreal.
If you win La Liga, will it be more special that last year’s title?
Of course. It has been a lot harder this year and we have had to fight like crazy. We have played very complicated matches and been able to overcome adversity. Winning the league would be incredible.
You played an important role on the team last year, but this season has been a little different.
Last year was my first in Madrid and we played great and had a good season. But then I got injured and was out for three months. The team was playing well and it was hard for me not to be able to help my teammates. I know I am not in my best form yet, but I am convinced everything will come with time.
How to you deal with all the criticism from the press?
It’s always the same. I think they are right. I am the first to admit when I don’t play well. The press is there do its job, just like what we have to do on the pitch.
We’ve seen you playing more towards the center recently. Do you like playing in such a position?
Yes. My position is in the center and behind the forward in order to help create scoring chances.
How often do you practice free kicks?
Not that often. I used to quite often, but now it’s about twice a week after training.
What do you do to stay in shape?
I think we are much stronger now. We have few injuries and we’re all in great form because we train well. Days off following matches also help.
Is having to win in order to reduce Barcelona’s lead added motivation?
It’s incredible. We win every week and so do Barcelona. We are still six points away and the league is far from over. We still play them and have tough matches before and after their visit, but the league is very much alive.
Holland is well on track for the World Cup.
I think we qualify if we win our next match.
It’s been 20 years since the Netherlands’ last triumph. You are always a favorite but things never pan out.
I think we qualify if we win our next match.
So you will compete for the World Cup?
I am sure of it.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to sleep. I don’t really like to do much in my free time. We train a lot and the season is winding down, so I am tired.
Your Spanish is great.
I have been here for two years and was taking classes during the first four or five months. I do make mistakes, but Spaniards are very nice and help me a lot.
Dutch, Spanish, English…
My head is a mess. I cannot think any more. I speak English one day, Spanish then next… It’s complicated.
Who is your best friend on the team?
Uf, tough question. I would have to say Van der Vaart because we are both Dutch and have known each other since we were young. He’s a great guy. We played together for Ajax and now were here.
Who is the funniest guy on team?
The funniest… No one is that funny (laughs). If I don’t joke around, nobody does. I’ll tell you later.
They say it’s Dudek.
Dudek is funny, but sometimes I don’t understand his jokes.
Just another Madridista
Junta speak