“For me, it’s very clear that a player who couldn’t even make the bench four days ago shouldn’t start today. Especially because this isn’t a final, it’s not a life-or-death match. I think Gonzalo did a great job the other day. Additionally, we have a match on Sunday, where he will surely be the starting forward, as I’ve told him. Seven days later, he will surely earn being the first forward again. I truly have no problem with anyone. I’m the coach of Real Madrid; I decide who plays and who doesn’t. I understand that players who don’t play aren’t happy, which is why they’re players for Real Madrid. I can perfectly understand that Mbappé isn’t happy today for not playing, but it’s a decision based, as I’ve always said, on circumstances. I didn’t want to take any risks on my part, also considering Sunday’s match, which is in three days. I think it was the most logical, natural, and common-sense decision.”

Is there a rift with Mbappé?
“If you want, you can put Kylian’s mixed zone comments on, and we can discuss them together. But until I hear what he said, I’m not going to comment on every phrase here. And I’d find it very reasonable if he thought that in the first part of the season, the team had structure and in the second part, it didn’t. Surely he’s scored many more goals in the first part of the season than in the second part.”

“I’ve said that a player who couldn’t even be on the bench four days ago, with a match in three days, I considered it best for him to come on in the second half and start next Sunday. For me, this is a plan that, as a coach, I think is more logical. I also believe Gonzalo deserved the reward of playing today, and that’s it. And I repeat, I understand that all the players who didn’t start today aren’t happy, as happens to me every day. But while I’m in this chair, I’m going to decide who plays and who doesn’t. I don’t care what their name is or isn’t. And if they’re okay with it, great; if not, then they can wait for the next match. It’s happened with many players, more than you can imagine. Also due to the circumstances, because mine have been different from those of other coaches at the club. I have a very clear conscience, and I think it’s great that players show their dissatisfaction.”

The whistles for Mbappé and Vini Jr.
“I always ask for the fans’ support for each and every one of my players. They are two pillars, the two most decisive players we have, and the club has placed a lot of hope in both of them. The fans are always demanding, and I’m sure that as soon as they start scoring goals and playing as they know how, the applause will return.”

Are the players being ungrateful to you?
“I don’t expect from my players what I’ve done for them. I know how we players are because, even though I’m sitting in this chair as a coach right now, one never stops being a football player. I know how they think, I know how players at this level feel, with this ambition and great ego. I’m capable of understanding everything and wouldn’t change any of the things I’ve done, said, or the defense I’ve made for each and every one of them.”

Praise for Cazorla
“What can I say? He’s been an amazing teammate, and I’ve enjoyed playing alongside him so much. Plus, we’ve won many things together. He has a wonderful family, whom I love and appreciate very much. He’s been one of the most talented players in Spanish football. We’ve all enjoyed him across Spain with a wonderful career. It’s hard, but as a person, he’s on par with what he is as a football player. What can I say about Santi? For me, it’s a pride and an honor to have played alongside him, and I always wish him all the best, both to him and his family.”

Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.