Roberto Carlos: "I think Real Madrid is in good shape”

Roberto Carlos was in attendance for Real Madrid's final training session held at Valdebebas in preparation for the first leg of the cup semi-final against Barcelona. The ex-footballer and one of the legendary figures of Madrid's recent history oversaw the training session in person and had the opportunity to meet and greet the Real Madrid technical staff and players, all of whom were in very high spirits.

Roberto Carlos with the Brazilian Real Madrid players

The former Real Madrid player, who has appeared for Real Madrid more times than any other of the club's foreign players and who also won 3 European Cups, 4 League titles, 2 Intercontinental cups, 1 European Super cup and 3 Spanish Super cups, praised the team managed by José Mourinho and looked ahead to the knock-out match against the Catalan club: “A Clásico is the best game of the season. Whether in the League, Cup or Champions league, these are very important games. I think that the team are looking focused and confident and they seem to be in high spirits for tomorrow's game. When the Santiago Bernabéu is full, it creates a spectacular atmosphere and you have to give it your all to win the game. Real Madrid have come into some form and the team is on the right track”.

You have been part of many Classics. What are these games like?
It's the best game of the season. Whether in the League, Cup or Champions league, these are very important games. I have played in many and I have experienced both ups and downs. Real Madrid have come into good form. You have to be focused, feel and enjoy the game.

What memories does Roberto Carlos have of Classics?
There are two memories which will always remain with me. A game I played for Brazil against China, when I scored my first goal, and the goal I scored from a free-kick against Arnau in a Clásico at the Bernabéu. Those goals defined my career.

You have been at the team's training session. How does the dressing room seem to you?
The team seems to be in high spirits, despite the criticism from outside. They seem to be focused and full of confidence. There is still a long way to go and the team is on the right track.

Mourinho is also a master at negotiating knock-out matches.
Mourinho has a lot of experience in all competitions. Everyone says the same, that he is the best manager in the world and that he is the number one at the moment. He will have the team very well prepared. He knows that the opponents are very strong, but when the Bernabéu is full, it has a spectacular atmosphere and that will make for a great game.

Lastly, words cannot describe the atmosphere of the Bernabéu during these games.
When you enter the field, you are so focused on the game that you only hear people shouting and celebrating. Many hours later, you watch the footage on the television and you remember what you experienced. You have to be at your best to win the game.