Marco Asensio will be aiming to lift his third Champions League title for Real Madrid in the final against Liverpool on Saturday.
The 26-year-old sat down with MARCA to discuss his side’s incredible run to the final, his season so far and his hopes of playing a decisive role in Paris.
Are you able to sleep just days before the Champions League final against Liverpool?
Yes, I’m sleeping well. It is true that the preparation is different this week. Every footballer wants to play in a Champions League final and you prepare in a special way. I try to enjoy the week, the match and face it feeling relaxed.
Can you believe that you are in the final after what has happened this season in the Champions League?
Yes I can believe it, although it’s true that it has been a very different Champions League from previous seasons, as all of the knockout stages have been comebacks. They were incredible matches which, when they finished, we had no idea what had happened. There is a relationship with the fans that there hasn’t been for a long time. It has been very special for everyone.
What do you have to focus on against Liverpool?
You have to prepare all aspects of play and analyse the opponent. We have to focus on ourselves, on our strengths, try not to make fouls so that they don’t take advantage of it. They have very fast players up front. Taking care of all of that and then comes the heart, the passion that we have to win another Champions League, and [also] how competitive we all are. It is not by chance that we have reached so many finals and won so many trophies.
Are you now the same player as before your injury?
This season I think I am better. Firstly, you have the numbers; then, because I feel that I have that maturity to face both good and bad situations. I try to maintain that balance. In this regard I have improved a lot: my self-confidence, my self-improvement, knowing how to deal with good and bad moments. I believe that this has happened this season, good moments, less good moments when I have had less minutes. But I have known how to deal with them when I have been on the pitch. For that reason, I feel that I am better than before the injury.
Do you dream about scoring in Paris?
Of course. I hope to have the opportunity to help my team on the pitch, which is where I am best. I believe that I can help the team a lot.
