RodrygoandDani Carvajalanalysed the Athletic Club-Real Madridclash on matchday one ofLaLiga.The Brazilian, who scored the game’s first goal at San Mamés, had the following to say: “We’re really pleased and everything went as we hoped it would. We trained like this to start the season well. We knew it was going to be a tough match, but we played really well and were comfortable. I’m pleased to have scored.”
“I played in a role that I like, more on the inside. The goal came from linking up withCarvajal, we practised it in training and today it came off in the game. He passed it to me, I touched it to him again and then it was a nice finish.”
Creating chances”We did really well, we created chances and we could’ve scored more goals. It’s good because it’s the first league game and we’re gradually getting better. The important thing is that we are creating chances, I hope that in the next few games we’ll be better and score more goals.”
Bellingham”I’m happy to play with him. He’s a great player, a top player and he’s going to help us a lot this season.”
Challenges for the season”I hope I can score as many goals as possible, provide as many assists as possible and be important for the team.”
Carvajal: “The team did very well in attack and defence””It was a fairly complete match. The team was very good defensively, but in the second half the opposition pressed forward and created some dangerous situations for us. On the whole, we’re happy to start theleaguelike this.” “The pre-season helps us prepare physically and for this new style of play. The team was very good both in attack and defence. We’re grasping the concepts and I hope we can continue like this in the next few games.”
Formation”Having this squad means that we can create different situations in front of our opponents. We create uncertainty if a teammate opens space or closes down, and if he’s going to receive or run thɾօυɢҺ. It’s about creating danger and we’ve managed to do that.”
Competition in the squad”The coach told us that he saw a lot of competition in training and that everyone wants to play. Getting playing time is very valuable in this squad and that’s good for the team.”
Captaincy”I’m really proud to have played my first official match as captain and it’s a dream come true to have worn the armband of the greatest team. It’s a historic day and everyone who loves me knows what this means to me.”
Bellingham”Once again he’s shown his quality, he’s very committed defensively and he’s been an extraordinary signing.”
