Fran García was voted man of the match in the quarter-final clash between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup. The defender, who scored his side’s second goal, was delighted with his strike and his side’s place in the semi-finals: “I’m happy not only because we’ve gone through and I’ve won the MVP award, but also because of the team’s performance. Now we have to try to make the most of it to rest and, in three days, another battle.” “I try to give my best in every game. It’s true that I’m feeling good, I’m getting regular game time and I have the coach’s confidence and that of my teammates, which is always a positive thing. Whenever I play, I try to help and it’s true that things are a bit clearer now. The more I can do for the team, the better.”
The goal
“I saw that it was a move where we stole the ball in the final third. The ball came in from the right wing, Gonzalo was moving to the front post and Vini too. I was on the edge of the box, I made a quick burst to get to the penalty spot and the ball came to me. I had the chance to shoot and I was delighted. I’m not lucky enough to score as many goals as Gonzalo, who is another academy graduate who’s making the most of every moment, but I’m very happy to help in any way I can.”
What does Xabi ask of the full-backs?
“We are the link between the forward line for the pressing, and the defenders and midfielders, so that the team doesn’t get too spread out. We have to try to organise that pressure and when one is up, the other compensates and vice versa. Right now, football demands a lot from full-backs, both in attack and defence. It’s not just Trent, all the full-backs at Real Madrid are incredible and world-class. The coach makes it clear what he wants and we try to help as much as possible because it’s for our own good and the good of the team.”
PSG in the semi-finals
“It’s a Champions League final. They’re on a good run, but we’re evolving very well. The team is working well, we know what we have to do and we have to keep it up to reach the final.”
