Toril: "We're going to produce a fantastic tie"
"We're hoping to be among the top four sides in Europe," added Toletti.
Alberto Toril and Sandie Toletti spoke to the press on the eve of Real Madrid's Women’s Champions League quarter-final first leg clash with Arsenal at the Alfredo Di Stéfano (Tuesday, 6:45 pm CET). The coach reflected: “I'm expecting an evenly-matched tie between two teams having a very good season. This is the second time we're into the quarter-finals and we're really excited. We've got the chance to make the semi-finals and it'd be a significant step in our evolution. We're convinced we're going to produce a fantastic tie, being aware it's 180 minutes and we have to deliver two very solid games and manage the key moments well. We're ready for it."
“Individual moments in the tie will be crucial. There will be lots of mini games played out. We have to try and avoid making mistakes, dominate our duels and not get too carried away. They have more experience and we have to take the game to where it suits us: controlling possession, being positionally comfortable and not allowing them space to run into. We have to string the game out and ensure we never switch off."
The team's progress
“We have a good chance of being among the best four teams in Europe and I think we're making constant progress. There are things you don't see, but we're making decent progress. This is the best season in our five-year existence. We've played a final, a semi-final in the Copa, into the Champions League quarters and in the League we're not far off top spot. We're still in all competitions into March and we've done a good job, but we want to take that next step. We know this is an important period and we're up against tough opposition but the players are ready to step it up, we're feeling strong and our mentality is right."
“We don't have loads of experience and very few of our players have been involved in a Champions League quarter-final - and I can count those who have played a semi on one hand. We're moving towards the next step gradually. We've got fantastic players and the ability to do so. We can make the semi-finals, but if we don't, we'll just keep trying. We'll be in the fight for titles very soon."
The calendar
“We have a lot of games. We play almost every two days. The game against Depor came before our three-day rest period and it's really tough to recover properly. We're coming off the back of two blocks of three games in six days, and Arsenal play less than we do. We should take a look at that and try to help the Spanish teams to represent Spain in the best possible manner. The coefficients are important, we have to assess it. Either way, we're well prepared and I'm sure we're going to compete brilliantly."
Toletti: “The fans support and showing our character will be vital”
“The support of the fans in the stadium will be vital, I'm sure they'll be right behind us. We have to show our character. They're really tough opposition, a great side. We're really excited to be back competing in this tournament, it'll be a beautiful match to be involved in and we're eager to be among the top four teams in Europe.”
“We can't wait for the game to start and we're hugely ambitious. It's been a tough month with so many games, and the League should look at that because we've got two big Champions League games. We're in good shape and we'll do all we can to win tomorrow."
The team's midfield
“I'm feeling great alongside my teammates in midfield and we have to keep it up. It's a real blow to have lost Teresa to injury."