FONSECA: "IT'S A BIG OCCASION, FEARLESS ON THE PITCH"

The Champions League is back with a clash between two of the competition's most successful sides. The Santiago Bernabéu is preparing to host Real Madrid vs. AC Milan. Head Coach Fonseca and Mike Maignan took part in a press conference on the eve of the match. 

PAULO FONSECA

FEARLESS
"A game like this gives you great motivation. We know that we have to take on the best to win the Champions League, in this case the current champions: it's a chance for us to show our worth. We must be courageous, fearless on the pitch and committed to putting on a good show. Would I be ok with a draw? I always want to win and always try to instil this into the team, this also goes for tomorrow but we know that it'll be difficult. We're talking about two legendary clubs, we're hoping to put on a great show for all of the fans." 

EXPECTATION
"I watched the El Clásico, it was important to watch how Real played against Barcelona. Similarities? There are a few, we also weren't favourites before the Derby but every opponent is different and every match is a story in itself. To face Real we have prepared in a certain way on specific things".

THE CHOICES
"Leão will play from the start, I expect him to make a difference. Morata is a very important player, decisive for us because of everything he gives us and the energy he shows, he's really smart, an example. Morata-Abraham together? No because Tammy has only just recovered and will be able to give us a hand in the coming games. Hernández started the season with a few physical difficulties, now he's doing well and developing".

KING CARLO
"Ancelotti is the best manager in the world, a reference point for me as a coach and as a person, everything he says is important and it'll be an honour to meet him". 

MIKE MAIGNAN

LEADERSHIP
"We need to have clarity of mind and play with team spirit. We need to be brave in every moment, be it in defence and attack. If I don't think of trying to become the best no one is going to do it for me, I think about being one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but I've still got things to improve on". 

ONLY REAL
"Renewal? It's not important at the moment, we're about to play a really important game the rest doesn't matter. For me, football is adrenaline, playing against any opponent and team gives me great enthusiasm. Mbappé? We speak all the time, he is a top player". 

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