Jose Mourinho insists Real Madrid are fully committed to winning the capital city derby against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Real beat Lyon 3-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday to reach the last eight of the competition for the first time since 2004.
Star man Cristiano Ronaldo was forced to withdraw after 70 minutes of the European tie and is in doubt for the Madrid derby.
But despite prioritising the Lyon clash, Mourinho has no intention of disappointing the Real faithful by losing to Atletico in their much-anticipated La Liga encounter.
“The respect we have for fans doesn’t allow us to joke around in the derby,” Mourinho said.
“We will give our all at the Calderon and we’ll see if that’s enough. We will try to showcase our quality. We are very motivated because it will be a very important match.”
“Games preceding a Champions League match are difficult because you risk losing focus.”
“Games following a Champions League match are different and usually tinged by physical and psychological exhaustion. They are equally dangerous.”
“The derby will be tough because we’ll face a great team, but it will also be easier to play because everyone will give their all.”
“Cristiano would be fitter to play if the derby took place on Sunday. It’s only natural he’s not in top form after missing so many training sessions and playing 70 minutes against Lyon. Playing him would be a risk.”
Following Friday’s Champions League draw in Switzerland, Real will now meet English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur over two legs in April.
Mourinho welcomed the opportunity to face English opposition in the quarter-finals and is already expecting a physical encounter against the Premier League side.
“I’m happy to face Tottenham because it will give me the chance to return to London and play at an English stadium again,” he said.
“I know how English teams think and I know their character; how they give blood, sweat and tears in every minute of every game.”
“They defeated Inter Milan and eliminated AC Milan. They are having a great run in the Premiership and they’ve got a great coach.”
Fri 18 March, 2011