“We still remember last season’s Copa del Rey championship; it was a memorable tournament for us.”
“We are the defending champions, and the team will strive to conquer this title once again.”
“Three players will not participate in this match. Firstly, Kroos is out due to a slight ankle injury, while Tchouameni and Vinicius are rested to complete their recovery. The rest of the squad is ready to play.”
(After this statement, Lucas Vazquez suffered an injury in the pre-match training session and has been removed from the registered list ????). 

❓ Will you make significant changes to the lineup in this match?
“The term ‘rotation’ that you use so casually is not appropriate; this match will be tough. You all remember how we struggled against Cacereno last year.”
“The Copa del Rey is a tournament that we always pay attention to; the matches are challenging. We need to approach the game seriously.”
“Of course, I will make some changes in the lineup, but I assure you that the players I field in this match will be competitive.” 

❓ Who will play as center-back?
“Nacho will return, and he will start. Carvajal is an option I am considering to pair with Nacho. Additionally, Carrillo could also be given an opportunity as he has been training well with the first team.” 

❓ Overall squad status
“Mendy has not fully recovered from his injury, but he will be back for the Spanish Super Cup. Similarly, Kroos had a minor ankle injury against Mallorca, but there is nothing to worry about.”
“Good news for us is that Camavinga is back and ready to play. Arda Güler has also reached 100% fitness and can start in this match.” 

❓ What do you expect from the team in this match?
“To play well and win, as we always strive to do. I am very confident in that because the team is full of motivation and focused on the game.”
“As I mentioned, we have many beautiful memories from the Copa del Rey last season, and there’s no reason not to give our best in every match.” 

❓ Tomorrow is Three Kings’ Day in Spain; do you expect the club president to gift you a new contract, perhaps someone like Kylian Mbappe?
“No, I am very happy with what I have, and I cannot ask for more. I have an excellent relationship with the club president, and he has given me so much that I can’t list it all. Florentino is a close friend of mine.” 

❓ Kepa and Lunin
“Kepa will start against Arandina. We are pleased that the club has intense competition between two excellent goalkeepers, which is good for both the team and for them individually.” 

❓ How does it feel to play under the covered roof at the Bernabeu?
“It feels different from the usual; closing the roof makes the stadium’s volume much louder and creates a more vibrant atmosphere. We like playing in such conditions, as a livelier atmosphere boosts the team’s spirit significantly.” 

❓ About Jude Bellingham
“What Bellingham has done is fantastic. He adapted perfectly to the team in a new environment and a new culture in a short time. For us, Bellingham is the best player in the world.” 

❓ Memorable moments in the Copa del Rey
“My Copa del Rey memories are straightforward; winning two titles at Valencia (2014) and Sevilla (2023). These are unforgettable moments for me.” 

❓ What is the secret for Vinicius to return so quickly?
“It’s all thanks to Vinicius’s professionalism and dedication, alongside the efforts of the medical and fitness experts who worked with him.” 

❓ About Sergio Ramos responding to Sevilla fans
“I highly value Sergio; I always knew he was a very professional and courageous person. I hope Sergio will end his career in the best possible way.”