Coke cans Real fatigue theory

Sevilla defender Coke believes fatigue will not take its toll on Real Madrid in Sunday’s clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The match will be the third game in eight days for Jose Mourinho’s men, after they beat Barcelona at Camp Nou in La Liga, before crashing out of the Champions League on penalties to Bayern Munich.

Coke believes that the midweek disappointment will not affect Madrid, and spoke of the tough challenge that awaits the Andalusian side.

“If they suffer from fatigue then that would naturally be an advantage for us. However, they have so many good players, and they can beat anyone,” he told Goal.com.

“They have positive momentum after winning at Camp Nou. It’s hard to forget the midweek disappointment, but they lost on penalties, which is a lottery, and are a just few points away from winning the league.

“I do not think they are in bad condition. Hopefully we can physically be at the height of our game, slow down the tempo, use our advantages and then we can take the three points, we need them.”

When asked about how his team intends to stop Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria, the defender said Sevilla should work together to keep the forwards quiet.

“Many times when you see them on television and you think ‘it is easy, they almost always do the same trick’. However, they have superb physical qualities and can be very tricky.

“Ronaldo can play with both feet and is great with his head, he is very difficult to stop. Hopefully, if we manage to shut him out, the team will be successful.”

Coke concluded by having a word on Pep Guardiola’s decision to step down as Barca coach in the summer, and insisted that his departure should not be taken so dramatically.

“Guardiola will leave, and if Mourinho also leaves, I think we will lose two great coaches, but football will continue. People will remain in their respective teams, and we will continue playing football every weekend.

“This is not Mourinho’s league or Guardiola’s league. They are two trainers that give special flavour to the competition, but the league will continue to be important without them.”