Rose: “Want to take advantage of our current position"

Head coach Marco Rose and goalkeeper Yann Sommer answered questions from the media during a virtual press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League group stage match against Real Madrid (21:00 CET).

Head coach Marco Rose on…

…the upcoming challenge: We know how difficult it will be to play in Madrid, but we’re very much looking forward to it. We’ve done well in our group so far and now have the chance to advance to the next round. We can achieve something historic tomorrow, which is what we’re aiming to do.

…the approach to the game: We will need to be diligent and defend well, while being brave in attack in order to cause Real problems. We have the quality to create chances and to be successful, which we want to use.

…the excitement ahead of the match: I feel the same way ahead of every game. We are ready for tomorrow and know what we need to do. There’s no reason to be nervous. We’re looking forward to the challenge and want to take advantage of our current position.

…Nico Elvedi: Nico flew to Madrid with us. We will see if he’s able to feature. If he’s able to play, that would be a key factor for us. He’s a great centre-back, both as part of a back three or a back four.

…key impressions from the first leg: Of course we have been able to draw insights from the first game. Not much will have changed from then, as Real tend to stick to the same style of play. We’ve pointed out a couple of things, including areas in which we have the chance to showcase our own qualities.

…the upcoming opponents: This is an important game for Madrid as well. I’m sure that they will be on their game tomorrow. They have individual quality and a clear tactical approach. They like to have the ball and dominate games, but they defend well too.

…Real Madrid’s current position: Teams like Real Madrid and Inter Milan thrive under pressure. That’s exactly what Real will be under tomorrow. Sergio Ramon will likely also be back, as he’s been declared fit for this game. We will be up against a strong side from Madrid, but we’re prepared for it.

…playing behind closed doors: Overall, the current situation isn’t enjoyable for any one. We would have liked to have played in a sold-out Bernabeu, so it's a shame it won't happen. I don't see us gaining any advantage through that though.

Yann Sommer on…

… the upcoming opposition: Real Madrid isn’t just about Sergio Ramos. They have a lot of quality in their team and we will prepare thoroughly for their side and their individual players. In the reverse fixture, we did that well. We’re also discussing how we want to play against them. We know after playing them last time that they’re dangerous from set-pieces and that if they need a goal, Ramos will play higher up and build a lot of pressure at high balls. We want to deal with that better in Wednesday’s game if we find ourselves in such a situation.

… tension ahead of the game: Of course, it is a very important game. I think there’s a real anticipation among the team. We’re well prepared and we’re ready. From the very start, we said that it’s our goal to survive the group. Now, the deciding game is around the corner and this is the moment where we can advance from the group. We have to be courageous.

… the two saved penalties against Sergio Ramos: I’m not thinking about whether Sergio Ramos will take another penalty. The two penalties I saved on international duty are history now. We’re concentrating on our performance and not whether there’ll be a penalty awarded against us. We don’t have to discuss whether Ramos is an important player for them; he’s their captain. When he’s playing, it’s a positive for them. But we have a lot of quality of our own and we have to bring that on Wednesday.