Real Madrid defender Ibrahima Konaté spoke to the media before playing his former club RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League, saying, “it’s very important that we focus on the next match. If we win tomorrow, we’ll play better in El Clásico. And if we don’t, we won’t be in good form going into it. But the first thing we have to do is focus on tomorrow. After the match, we’ll think about El Clásico.”
Konaté on RB Leipzig
“Tomorrow’s match is very special to me. I’m really looking forward to seeing my former team-mates. We’re really keen to win tomorrow and stay in the top eight of the table. We know it’s very tough, but we’ve got a good chance tomorrow.”
Konaté on his first few months at the club
“It’s been incredible being here; everyone’s been helping me a lot. Everyone who works here is helping me and making me feel really welcome. The most important thing for me is to win trophies, and I hope to do so this season.”
Konaté on what happened with the Ceuta shirt
“To be honest, I didn’t understand what was written on the shirt. After that match I found out, and I can see both sides of the argument. I’m from France and I think there are lots of people in the same situation. At that specific moment, I didn’t know what it was referring to; I didn’t know what to do. I have to stay focused on football because I’ve come here to play football. I don’t think it was as big a deal as people made out.”
Konaté on whether Real Madrid is what he imagined it would be
“It’s more than I expected. Everything is magnified so much more; people are talking about us all over the world. I’m very happy; I always dreamt of playing for this club. But, to be honest, I’m not very active on social media and sometimes I don’t see what people are saying about us online.”
Konaté on the Negreira case
“It’s true that we haven’t had much luck, but it’s also true that I’ve read a bit about the Negreira affair. I’m here to play football and at this club we have to focus on that, on football. I have to focus on the day-to-day, on the pitch, try to be competitive and get results on the pitch. Although it’s true that we haven’t been lucky with the referees’ decisions.”
Konaté on Yan Diomande
“As well as being a good player, he’s a brilliant person. He’s got a great future at Real Madrid.”
Konaté on the controversy against Sevilla and the foul on Ure
“If you don’t think it’s a foul, then that’s that. For me, it’s not a foul. It’s obvious.”
Konaté on whether he’s a pessimistic or an optimistic defender
“As an optimistic defender, obviously.”
Konaté on whether Mourinho has spoken about winning the Champions League
“We have to compete for every title in every competition. Of course, when Mourinho speaks, everyone listens. He’s a great manager and everyone knows we want to win with him.”
Konaté on French team-mates
“I’ve been very lucky to share this experience with Tchouaméni, Camavinga and Mbappé. They’ve helped me a lot since I joined this club. I’m really happy to be here with them because they’re great people.”