Ahead of this round's Champions League match, where Real Madrid will host Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, defender Ibrahima Konate represented the team at the pre-match press conference. He discussed his feelings about facing his former club.
How is the team's condition?
Tomorrow's match holds special meaning for me, and I'm happy to see my former teammates. If we can win tomorrow and secure three consecutive victories in the first three rounds, it will be very beneficial for us to ultimately reach the top eight. We know it's hard to qualify for the top eight, but tomorrow is a good opportunity.
What has impressed you most in your first few months at Real Madrid?
It's amazing to play here; everyone has tried their best to help me, which makes me feel very good. For me, the most important thing is winning titles, and I hope we can achieve that this season.
Why didn't you wear the solidarity T-shirt for Ceuta at the time?
Honestly, I didn't understand what was written on the shirt at the time. I only found out what happened in Ceuta after the match, and I can understand both perspectives. I'm from France, and both my parents are from Africa. I think many people are in the same situation as me. There's a part of history we identify with, and another part we might not. We can't do bad things in this country. At the time, I really didn't know what it meant; I didn't know what to do. I have to focus on football because I'm here to play, and I don't think it's as important as people say.
Is Real Madrid as you imagined?
It has exceeded my expectations. Everything here is magnified infinitely; it feels like the whole world is talking about us. I'm very satisfied; I've always dreamed of playing for this club. Honestly, I don't pay much attention to social media, so sometimes I don't see what people say about us online.
Regarding the Negreira case
We've been a bit unlucky at the start of this season. I've seen some reports about the Negreira case, but I'm here to play football. At this club, we should focus on football. I have to concentrate on my daily work, stay competitive on the pitch, and achieve results. However, we have indeed been unlucky with refereeing decisions.
How does it feel to play with Diomande?
He is very talented. Although he's only 19, he's already outstanding. He trains very hard, and I can't think of any reason why he wouldn't succeed in this team. He has a great future at Real Madrid. Not only is he an excellent player, but he's also a particularly good person. I'm happy with his performance over the last few games.
Sevilla believes you fouled Roby-Yould before Real Madrid scored their third goal.
I haven't seen those claims. Did you see the action? If you think it was a foul, then it was. I wouldn't call it a foul; I think it clearly wasn't.
Are you already thinking about El Clásico?
It's very important to focus on the next game. If we win tomorrow, we'll play better in El Clásico. But if we focus on El Clásico now, we won't be in good form for tomorrow's match. First, we must concentrate on tomorrow's game, and after that, we'll think about El Clásico, because we also want to win the Champions League.
Ancelotti once mentioned the concepts of "pessimistic defenders" and "optimistic defenders." Which type do you consider yourself?
I am clearly an optimistic defender.
Has Mourinho mentioned the goal of winning the Champions League to you?
He hasn't said anything specific to me, just focused on winning the games. We haven't discussed specific targets like winning the Champions League or LaLiga. Real Madrid has extremely high demands, and we must compete for titles in all competitions. Of course, when Mourinho speaks, everyone listens carefully. He is a great coach, and everyone knows we want to win with him.
Have your French teammates also helped you integrate into the new environment?
I'm very fortunate to have played in the World Cup with Tchouameni, Camavinga, and Mbappé for the national team. They talked a lot about Real Madrid with me. After coming to Real Madrid, they helped me a lot. It's certainly good to have compatriots at the same club, but sometimes it can be a bit tricky because we can be quite lively when we're together. I'm happy to work with them; they are all very good people. I also hope Ferland Mendy recovers soon; we need him.
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umaryoung
0
Building Defence
moobdmorz
1
But i want to ask something o, shey all this Real Madrid players cannot do interview without mentioning Negreira?
it wasn't the player that mentioned negreira 🤦
Sage_offset
0
imagine blaming refs what is wrong with all this people in Real Madrid? any player that went there suddenly becomes stupid and useless and arrogant
you just spoke my mind..😑
peedikmno
0
Real Madrid people think that we shall forget their relationship with the state and all the penalties? With all the influence and power and favouritism this club has enjoyed, they want to turn themselves into victims? Maybe La Liga should allow Madrid to appoint referees, so that is when they will be satisfied. I am worried that Madrid may rob La Liga of this season. They are the greatest football in the world but they forget that they can have bad seasons. This club has been performing poorly in and outside Spain. Tell me why Madrid has been unable to finish in the top eight since the new UCL format was introduced. Was that negreira? Tell me why Madrid had zero players on the Spanish national team in the world cup? And tell me that you expect Barcelona which had eight players on that world cup winning team is not a good team. Some people will now say that the world cup belongs to Spain not Barcelona. I know that but you can't take away that from them. I guess if it were Madrid players, Madrid would be happy. I remember when Spain drew their first match against Cape Verde, some people said that those are overrated Barcelona players. Now that Spain won the world cup, they are Spanish players. I think negreira was a bad thing but why can't Madrid wait for the findings of courts? As we talk now, there is no any evidence that there was match fixing or bribing of referees. We all hate corruption but again it is bad for Satan to lead a crusade against sin. There we know that Satan is not against sin but is just looking for his own benefit. Anyone who would believe in Satan leading that crusade would be naive. Therefore we cannot be fooled by Madrid. As I see things, Madrid are trying to exploit the negreira case for their own benefits. They want us to forget their state backing, their undeserved penalties, and their undue influence in Spain. We are not fools. They may want to rob the title so that if other clubs talk, the world doesn't listen. This is a propaganda campaign from Madrid. Football clubs that have never been backed by the state are not crying but imagine who is crying. Just play your football, you will win because in Spain everyone fears you, no one can be against you in Spain. Spain is in your pockets, don't deceive us.
I cannot even recognize your team Logo”
MageGH
0
Real Madrid people think that we shall forget their relationship with the state and all the penalties? With all the influence and power and favouritism this club has enjoyed, they want to turn themselves into victims? Maybe La Liga should allow Madrid to appoint referees, so that is when they will be satisfied. I am worried that Madrid may rob La Liga of this season. They are the greatest football in the world but they forget that they can have bad seasons. This club has been performing poorly in and outside Spain. Tell me why Madrid has been unable to finish in the top eight since the new UCL format was introduced. Was that negreira? Tell me why Madrid had zero players on the Spanish national team in the world cup? And tell me that you expect Barcelona which had eight players on that world cup winning team is not a good team. Some people will now say that the world cup belongs to Spain not Barcelona. I know that but you can't take away that from them. I guess if it were Madrid players, Madrid would be happy. I remember when Spain drew their first match against Cape Verde, some people said that those are overrated Barcelona players. Now that Spain won the world cup, they are Spanish players. I think negreira was a bad thing but why can't Madrid wait for the findings of courts? As we talk now, there is no any evidence that there was match fixing or bribing of referees. We all hate corruption but again it is bad for Satan to lead a crusade against sin. There we know that Satan is not against sin but is just looking for his own benefit. Anyone who would believe in Satan leading that crusade would be naive. Therefore we cannot be fooled by Madrid. As I see things, Madrid are trying to exploit the negreira case for their own benefits. They want us to forget their state backing, their undeserved penalties, and their undue influence in Spain. We are not fools. They may want to rob the title so that if other clubs talk, the world doesn't listen. This is a propaganda campaign from Madrid. Football clubs that have never been backed by the state are not crying but imagine who is crying. Just play your football, you will win because in Spain everyone fears you, no one can be against you in Spain. Spain is in your pockets, don't deceive us.
can you summarize what you wrote? is it along the lines of Negreira no longer been on payroll?
MageGH
1
imagine blaming refs what is wrong with all this people in Real Madrid? any player that went there suddenly becomes stupid and useless and arrogant
because referees have actually been terrible these past 3 years. because if Negriera when referees are mentioned you guys feel uncomfortable.
Juniorpope
6
imagine blaming refs what is wrong with all this people in Real Madrid? any player that went there suddenly becomes stupid and useless and arrogant
The_Phoenix
1
🤦🏽♂️ media is the problem why would you ask Konate about Negreira he wasn’t even there at the time
Tomckmnu
1
But i want to ask something o, shey all this Real Madrid players cannot do interview without mentioning Negreira?
Kuoaceils
2
slm
namekprz
1
this weekend the world will know who is cheaters
namabcprtu
1
NB don't start awe without enough weapons, Leave these issues of refrn to referees
Sammy6168
0
Good will punish you for saying that idiot
poediklmru
0
Real Madrid people think that we shall forget their relationship with the state and all the penalties? With all the influence and power and favouritism this club has enjoyed, they want to turn themselves into victims? Maybe La Liga should allow Madrid to appoint referees, so that is when they will be satisfied. I am worried that Madrid may rob La Liga of this season. They are the greatest football in the world but they forget that they can have bad seasons. This club has been performing poorly in and outside Spain. Tell me why Madrid has been unable to finish in the top eight since the new UCL format was introduced. Was that negreira? Tell me why Madrid had zero players on the Spanish national team in the world cup? And tell me that you expect Barcelona which had eight players on that world cup winning team is not a good team. Some people will now say that the world cup belongs to Spain not Barcelona. I know that but you can't take away that from them. I guess if it were Madrid players, Madrid would be happy. I remember when Spain drew their first match against Cape Verde, some people said that those are overrated Barcelona players. Now that Spain won the world cup, they are Spanish players. I think negreira was a bad thing but why can't Madrid wait for the findings of courts? As we talk now, there is no any evidence that there was match fixing or bribing of referees. We all hate corruption but again it is bad for Satan to lead a crusade against sin. There we know that Satan is not against sin but is just looking for his own benefit. Anyone who would believe in Satan leading that crusade would be naive. Therefore we cannot be fooled by Madrid. As I see things, Madrid are trying to exploit the negreira case for their own benefits. They want us to forget their state backing, their undeserved penalties, and their undue influence in Spain. We are not fools. They may want to rob the title so that if other clubs talk, the world doesn't listen. This is a propaganda campaign from Madrid. Football clubs that have never been backed by the state are not crying but imagine who is crying. Just play your football, you will win because in Spain everyone fears you, no one can be against you in Spain. Spain is in your pockets, don't deceive us.
Barcelona rubbed more ok
Lezbcdikpr
0
al vaarez
Fuadeiosy
1
rodrygo rodrygo rodrygo
Docabiluz
0
what an irony, "my both parents are African, but I'm from France"
Yes.. As we can see on TV these days in Paris.. this is the new France 🇫🇷
Docabiluz
4
Real Madrid people think that we shall forget their relationship with the state and all the penalties? With all the influence and power and favouritism this club has enjoyed, they want to turn themselves into victims? Maybe La Liga should allow Madrid to appoint referees, so that is when they will be satisfied. I am worried that Madrid may rob La Liga of this season. They are the greatest football in the world but they forget that they can have bad seasons. This club has been performing poorly in and outside Spain. Tell me why Madrid has been unable to finish in the top eight since the new UCL format was introduced. Was that negreira? Tell me why Madrid had zero players on the Spanish national team in the world cup? And tell me that you expect Barcelona which had eight players on that world cup winning team is not a good team. Some people will now say that the world cup belongs to Spain not Barcelona. I know that but you can't take away that from them. I guess if it were Madrid players, Madrid would be happy. I remember when Spain drew their first match against Cape Verde, some people said that those are overrated Barcelona players. Now that Spain won the world cup, they are Spanish players. I think negreira was a bad thing but why can't Madrid wait for the findings of courts? As we talk now, there is no any evidence that there was match fixing or bribing of referees. We all hate corruption but again it is bad for Satan to lead a crusade against sin. There we know that Satan is not against sin but is just looking for his own benefit. Anyone who would believe in Satan leading that crusade would be naive. Therefore we cannot be fooled by Madrid. As I see things, Madrid are trying to exploit the negreira case for their own benefits. They want us to forget their state backing, their undeserved penalties, and their undue influence in Spain. We are not fools. They may want to rob the title so that if other clubs talk, the world doesn't listen. This is a propaganda campaign from Madrid. Football clubs that have never been backed by the state are not crying but imagine who is crying. Just play your football, you will win because in Spain everyone fears you, no one can be against you in Spain. Spain is in your pockets, don't deceive us.
Great Comment!! Completely true! agreed 👍
KELVIN_MKONO
2
Shout out to Arda Guler the wrestler by the way..
podinptuyz
14
Real Madrid people think that we shall forget their relationship with the state and all the penalties? With all the influence and power and favouritism this club has enjoyed, they want to turn themselves into victims? Maybe La Liga should allow Madrid to appoint referees, so that is when they will be satisfied. I am worried that Madrid may rob La Liga of this season. They are the greatest football in the world but they forget that they can have bad seasons. This club has been performing poorly in and outside Spain. Tell me why Madrid has been unable to finish in the top eight since the new UCL format was introduced. Was that negreira? Tell me why Madrid had zero players on the Spanish national team in the world cup? And tell me that you expect Barcelona which had eight players on that world cup winning team is not a good team. Some people will now say that the world cup belongs to Spain not Barcelona. I know that but you can't take away that from them. I guess if it were Madrid players, Madrid would be happy. I remember when Spain drew their first match against Cape Verde, some people said that those are overrated Barcelona players. Now that Spain won the world cup, they are Spanish players. I think negreira was a bad thing but why can't Madrid wait for the findings of courts? As we talk now, there is no any evidence that there was match fixing or bribing of referees. We all hate corruption but again it is bad for Satan to lead a crusade against sin. There we know that Satan is not against sin but is just looking for his own benefit. Anyone who would believe in Satan leading that crusade would be naive. Therefore we cannot be fooled by Madrid. As I see things, Madrid are trying to exploit the negreira case for their own benefits. They want us to forget their state backing, their undeserved penalties, and their undue influence in Spain. We are not fools. They may want to rob the title so that if other clubs talk, the world doesn't listen. This is a propaganda campaign from Madrid. Football clubs that have never been backed by the state are not crying but imagine who is crying. Just play your football, you will win because in Spain everyone fears you, no one can be against you in Spain. Spain is in your pockets, don't deceive us.
Vubbelnru
2
they are not even shame.
mehnrobson46d
4
what an irony, "my both parents are African, but I'm from France"
Zotacdimpr
1
These people will keep saying the same thing all over till they go empty handed again this season. they don't want to focus
Zitabciouz
5
they steal and complain at the same time
yicdelnopr
2
hrog