Atlético Madrid captain Koke was put forward to speak to the media ahead of the UEFA Champions League play-off first leg against Club Brugge on Wednesday night, and he addressed a number of topics surrounding the club.
“I’m in the moment I need to be in, doing what my coach asks of me,” Koke reflected, when asked about his future beyond this season. “I want to help, I feel good, I’m happy.
“A lot of people thought I was finished because of my age, but at 34 I feel good and I can contribute to the team,” he said.
Koke on motivation
“I feel very motivated. When I put on the Atlético shirt, I want to win, especially in these knockout stages. I want to win everywhere. Playing a good game (motivates me). Hopefully it will be a good day.”
Koke on inconsistent form
“How can I explain it? We are human beings, there are good days and bad days. If we had the recipe for playing perfectly, like on the day against Betis or Barcelona, we would do it every day. We are the first to want to win, we are the first to suffer and understand what is happening to us, and we want to achieve that consistency to do great things. We are in good form in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, and hopefully we will play well, as we are doing in the Copa del Rey.”
Koke on emotions after Rayo defeat
“When you lose a match, you want revenge. We play every three days. If you lose, you want revenge. We have to be more united than ever, and that’s one of the ways we’re preparing for what’s to come.”
Koke on previous visits to Brugge
“It wasn’t a good memory, and hopefully that will change. Third time lucky, and hopefully we can win. We’ve drawn and lost here.”
Koke on the game
“We have to enjoy it. There’s no pressure. We’re doing what we always do. We’re really excited and ready for the match.”