Gabi: “We have earned the right to be here”

Gabi looked happier than a little boy in Christmas Eve during the press conference prior to Atletico Madrid’s key game against FC Barcelona.

Los Rojiblancos’ captain said the game is not pressuring but all the other way around. “I’m excited because we have earned the right to be here and the people around us fully deserve it.” Gabi also said that the physical concerns after a long season don’t exist and that “no one is tired here because we’re in the best shape of our lives. Tomorrow we will show our best version and we will give it all on the pitch.” Gabi also encouraged the fans to get to the stadium. “The fans will play a pivotal role tomorrow because this is one of Atletico’s biggest games ever”.

All the signs indicate that Gerardo Martino wil start the game with both Lionel Messi and Neymar upfront, something he didn’t do the last time both teams played at Vicente Calderón. Despite that, Gabi said that “there won’t be any special marking because the game will be decided on little details.”

Finally, the Spain international talked about the likely inclusion of Diego Costa in the game and he said that “we need to be careful with Diego Costa. He is as important to us as Lionel Messi is for Barça”, he ended.