Real Madrid Femenino manager Alberto Toril spoke to the media ahead of a big Champions League night against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Real Madrid currently have a two-goal cushion over the Gunners after their victory last Tuesday. Even though the pitch conditions at the Alfredo Di Stéfano were far from perfect for both teams, Las Blancas got the job done by adapting to the situation much better than their opponents.
Toril was asked about whether Real Madrid will open up the Santiago Bernabeu for the women’s team, as several top European sides like Arsenal have done numerous times in the past. He replied: “I can’t answer that question. We’ll try to progress, do well, and stay on the path we’re on, which is getting closer to winning titles. When the club considers it necessary to play in the stadium, we will. We’re happy to play on a pitch named after a legendary player like Di Stéfano. I know the players are happy too, and when the club decides, we’ll be ready to do it.“
Toril on the match against Arsenal
“We have a great opponent ahead of us. We have to fully understand the match ahead, which will be difficult at first, but I think we’re ready. We’re focused and, above all, we have the mentality to win, to go out and win, which we have the capacity to do.”
“We know it will be difficult. We face an opponent with many qualities and strengths. We have a good result. They will put a lot of pressure on us with their fans, but we will have to manage certain moments. The players are prepared, and we are going with maximum concentration to get through this.”
Toril on the lineup for Arsenal
“We’re clear about the team and also [about] what we have to do. We’re behaving very well collectively, being solid. We made six changes on the day of Barça, and it went well. We change the formation and it turned out well, so whatever happens, we’ll be ready to compete. We’ve had very good performances, as I say, very solid. We’re very prepared at all levels, with excitement at its peak after the weekend.”
Toril on Misa’s form
“I see her well in the team’s line-up. We’ve come into these weeks knowing that she was important. The team is united. We’re focused on getting this done. Now we have the chance to reach a place we’ve never been before, to be among the top four in Europe. It’s a top-level match, in a magnificent atmosphere. It’s a good spectacle to enjoy and go for.”
Toril on Caroline Weir’s quality
“We all know the type of player she is, how important she is, and what she imposes on opposing players. She’s always willing to help, she interprets the game and the spaces well, and she’s taken a step forward in the final zone of the pitch, which is where she makes the most difference and where she can be even more so. She’s growing after the injury, hasn’t missed a single training session, and is reaching her peak. This match is for important players, and she is one of them.”
Toril on the team’s morale after beating Barcelona
“The players are doing well. It’s normal to have a few hours of joy and intensity after the weekend’s high because things were done well. But tomorrow we have a historic moment, and I think they have enough balance to know that tomorrow is a good moment.”