Real Madrid put forward attacker Rodrygo Goes to speak to the media ahead of the UEFA Champions League play-off tie against Manchester City with the Brazilian analysing that, “it will be as tough as ever. And especially here. They put a lot of pressure in the first few minutes… but having the mentality of last season will be key.”
Rodrygo on the physicality of this game
“Almost every team that comes here suffers. Because of their characteristics, they have the ball and that can happen tomorrow, but we will look to respond. I will do what the coach asks, both in attack and defense.”
Rodrygo on the attackers defending more
“The coach spoke to us, yes, and we know how important we are. Those at the back, if they see that we run a lot, they do too. We understood that. And you saw, for example, that the second half of the derby was better than the first.”
Rodrygo on memories of playing Manchester City
“I was talking about it with Valverde a few days ago, that City were coming again. We remembered the double and I asked him if we would ever experience something like that again. That was the most special night of my career. I don’t know if something like that will happen again, I hope so, but it was the best.”
Rodrygo on how responsible Ancelotti is for his good form
“A lot, because he always helps me. It’s a pleasure to work with him, because he always makes me and the team improve. My part is to work, to try to bring out the best version of myself, and even if sometimes I don’t succeed, I always try. That’s the secret: to always keep working.”
Rodrygo on interest from Saudi Arabia
“I don’t know much about offers, that to my father, who is my agent. I am very happy here. I am very happy here, I want to continue many years and I am grateful. I don’t know if the club has any offer.”
Rodrygo on him on the left and Vinícius central
“We did it last season, because it was what we could do best at the time. But now it’s different. It’s more of a question for the coach.”
Rodrygo on what he has to do to continue playing on the left
“Nothing, just keep doing my job, left or right. Since I was a kid I always played on the left side, I feel that I can help a lot there, but what I have to do is to continue with my job. And the coach knows very well where to put me.”
Rodrygo on Guardiola saying he is “almost unstoppable”
“[It makes me] happy, because he is a great coach in the history of football. But I hope that tomorrow everything goes well for Madrid.”
Rodrygo on whether he can be a match-winner
“Manchester City is an opponent I’ve scored against lately, yes, but it’s always tough. I’m in a very good moment and I feel I can be decisive, but I try to do it in every game. There are a lot of difficult games and you always have to be there. It will be special, but I always have to be decisive.”
Rodrygo on City being his favourite opponent
“No, no! Because, as I said before, it’s always very difficult to beat them. Nobody likes to play against City, just as nobody likes to play against Madrid. But I’ve been very happy against them… and hopefully tomorrow I’ll be happy again.”
