Real Madrid take on RB Salzburg in the Champions League this Wednesday evening. Ahead of the kick-off, Thomas Letsch, coach of the Austrian team, appeared at a press conference to talk about the match. In particular, the German coach revealed his recipe for keeping Carlo Ancelotti’s side at bay.
The Santiago Bernabéu, the legendary stadium where so many exploits have been written, is about to be rocked by a new chapter in the Champions League. This time, Thomas Letsch’s RB Salzburg take on Real Madrid. An immense challenge, but the Austrian club’s coach seems unimpressed. Speaking at a press conference on the eve of the match, Letsch expressed his serenity, combining respect and ambition. ‘Playing here, in this temple of football, is a unique moment. But we’re here to play our game and try to spring a surprise,’ he began.
Facing Carlo Ancelotti, a veritable icon on the touchline, is an honour for the Salzburg coach. ‘It’s an immense privilege to come up against a coach of his calibre. He’s made football history, but it’s also a chance for us to show what we can do,’ he said. For Letsch, the objective is clear: to keep his team focused, despite the aura of the Bernabéu and the stars of Madrid. ‘Mbappé and Vinicius are exceptional players, but they are not alone. Real are a powerful team. We’ll have to stay disciplined and limit our mistakes,’ he explained.
🗣️ Thomas Letsch (Salzburg coach): “Real Madrid have no weaknesses. There have been games where they haven’t been at 100%, but in other games they’ve been at their best. When we talk about Real Madrid playing badly, it’s because they’ve set the standard very high.” pic.twitter.com/wTfuA45oFd
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) January 21, 2025
‘I have the key to beating Real Madrid’
Thomas Letsch knows that against Real Madrid, the slightest mistake can be costly. ‘They only need a moment to make the difference. It’ll be up to us to be rigorous, avoid losing the ball unnecessarily and manage their transitions well,’ he said. But the RB Salzburg coach has faith in his team and believes they will surprise everyone at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.
‘We have to face a team that is one of the best in the world. We have to avoid unnecessary losses, avoid our transitions and our speed. They just need a little chance to score. But I believe in my team. I have the recipe to beat Real Madrid,’ he added. Alongside his analysis, Letsch also paid tribute to Toni Kroos, who recently announced his retirement. ‘He is one of the greatest players Germany has ever known. His intelligence, his consistency… he’s an inspiration,’ he said.
🎙️ Thomas Letsch: "Wir kommen als FC Salzburg zum amtierenden Champions League-Sieger. Wir freuen uns aber darauf, bei einem der größten Klubs der Welt zu spielen. Wir wissen, dass wir klarer Außenseiter sind, wollen uns aber mutig und von unserer besten Seite zeigen, wenn wir… pic.twitter.com/bb7blc8m0D
— FC Red Bull Salzburg (@RedBullSalzburg) January 21, 2025
For Letsch, this model of excellence embodies the values he wishes to pass on to his players: hard work, humility and perseverance. Thomas Letsch is well aware of the scale of the task. Beating Real Madrid at home is a feat that few teams can boast. But the coach is approaching the challenge with confidence and enthusiasm: ‘It’s a joy to experience a moment like this. Whatever the result, we want to come away from this match with no regrets. And if Salzburg manage to make history, it will be an evening whose echoes will reverberate far beyond the Bernabeu. A lesson in courage for underdogs who dare to dream big.
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