First team

BERIZZO: "KASHIMA ARE COMPETITIVE AND HAVE ALREADY CAUSED REAL MADRID PROBLEMS"

The Argentine acknowledged that Nolito "arrived three days ago and isn't fit to play tomorrow"

This Friday evening and before training, Eduardo Berizzo took part in the official press conference for tomorrow's match against Kashima Antlers, which took place in their own Kashima Soccer Stadium. The Argentine again reiterated his appreciation of the treatment that the squad has received: "We're very happy to be here. It's an honour to face a team that's so popular in Japan and we're trying to prepare ourselves for the league. We've already played at a good pace against Cerezo Osaka and we hope to do the same tomorrow morning, so that everyone can enjoy the show. We appreciate the attention we've received and it's a pleasure to be in Japan. We're grateful to everyone who has made this stay as we had imagined - delightful".

When asked whether he hoped to finish the season in the top four, the coach made a more profound view: "My first target is that the team plays with determination. With our style, or that which I propose. From there we will try to win everything we can. Objectives indicate performance and the productivity we can achieve. When you find your style, you defend t and you execute it as you should, you find the victories. That's what can help you climb the table and achieve your targets".

El Toto acknowledged that he saw the final of the last Club World Cup, in which the Japanese team were defeated by Madrid: "I saw the match and they're a team who caused problems for Real Madrid. They're competitive, flexible and fast, and we hope we can hold them tomorrow, playing our football. Both teams are at different stages of preparation, so the match will be difficult, and it will be hard to sustain a rhythm to play. From there, we want to win just like they want to win".