Konate talks Diomande, Mourinho, Sevilla controversy, Negreira case, El Clasico, Ceuta incident ahead of Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig

Konate talks Diomande, Mourinho, Sevilla controversy, Negreira case, El Clasico, Ceuta incident ahead of Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig Real Madrid defender Ibrahima Konate has addressed several major talking points surrounding the club ahead of their Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig , discussing Jose Mourinho’s ambitions, the Negreira case and the upcoming El Clásico against Barcelona. Speaking to the press before facing his former club, where he spent three seasons, Konate also reflected on his first months in Madrid, the controversy surrounding a shirt worn during the Elche match and his relationship with fellow French internationals.  With Madrid targeting a place in the Champions League’s top eight, the defender insisted that their immediate European assignment must take priority over the Clasico. Konate reflects on Madrid life and reunion with Leipzig Facing Leipzig carries personal significance for Konate, but the defender made clear that securing three points remains his priority as Madrid look to strengthen their position in the league phase. “Tomorrow’s match is very special for me. I’m really looking forward to seeing my former teammates. “We’re really keen to win tomorrow and stay in the top eight of the table. We know it’s very tough, but we’ve got a good chance tomorrow.” The Frenchman has also been impressed by the welcome he has received since joining Madrid, describing an environment that has helped him settle quickly.  “It’s been incredible being here; everyone is helping me so much. Everyone who works here is helping me and making me feel really welcome. “The most important thing for me is to win trophies, and I hope to do so this season.” Konate said the experience has surpassed his expectations, highlighting the global attention surrounding Madrid and the significance of representing a club he had always wanted to play for. “It’s more than I expected. Everything is magnified so much more; people are talking about us all over the world. I’m very happy; I’ve always dreamt of playing for this club.” Negreira case and refereeing controversies addressed Konate admits Real Madrid have exceeded his expectations. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Konate was also asked about the Negreira case, which has remained a major talking point in Spanish football.  While acknowledging Real Madrid’s frustrations, he stressed that his responsibility is to focus on performances rather than off-field disputes. “It’s true that we haven’t had much luck, but it’s also true that I’ve read a bit about the Negreira affair. I’m here to play football and at this club we have to focus on that – on football. “I have to concentrate on the day-to-day, on the pitch, try to be competitive and get results on the pitch.” The defender was similarly direct when questioned about the controversial incident involving Real Madrid’s match against Sevilla, offering no ambiguity about his own interpretation. “If you don’t think it’s a foul, then that’s that. As far as I’m concerned, it’s not a foul. It’s obvious.” He also addressed the controversy involving a Ceuta shirt during the Elche match, explaining that he had not understood its message at the time. “To be honest, I didn’t understand what was written on the shirt. After that match, I found out, and I can see both sides of the argument. “I’m from France, and I think there are lots of people in the same situation. At that particular moment, I didn’t know what it meant.” Mourinho’s ambitions and El Clasico remain in focus Konate spoke positively about playing alongside Diomande, describing the youngster as both a talented footballer and an outstanding person. Konate is set to face his former club in the Champions League. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) “As well as being a good player, he’s a brilliant person. He’s got a bright future at Real Madrid.” The defender also made clear that Real Madrid’s ambitions under Mourinho extend across every competition. He believes the manager commands the respect needed to pursue those targets. “We have to compete for every title in every competition. Of course, when Mourinho speaks, everyone listens. He’s a great manager, and everyone knows we want to win with him.” Furthermore, despite the approaching El Clasico, Konate refused to look beyond the Leipzig fixture.  For him, the European result could influence the team’s confidence before facing Barcelona, but preparation must begin with the next match. “It’s very important that we focus on the next match. If we win tomorrow, we’ll be in better shape for El Clasico. And if we don’t, we won’t be in good form going into it. “But the first thing we have to do is focus on tomorrow. After the match, we’ll think about El Clasico.” Finally, Konate credited fellow French internationals Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Kylian Mbappe with helping him settle into Madrid. “I’ve been very lucky to share this moment with Tchouameni, Camavinga and Mbappe. They’ve helped me a great deal since I joined this club.  “I’m really happy to be here with them because they’re great people,” he concluded. Source: AS