Roberto Carlos: "Losing the derby feels like losing the World Cup"

Roberto Carlos knows all about how huge derby day is in the Spanish capital - and the ramifications of losing one... the former Real Madrid left-back took part in an event organized by local brewers Mahou along with ex-Atl¨¦tico Luis Perea and former Bar?a and Valencia player Gaizka Mendieta and gave a player's insight into the psychology of mentally preparing for a Madrid derby or a Cl¨¢sico; he also had some encouragement for James Rodr¨ªguez who, he says, has got all he needs to triumph at Madrid and convince Zidane of his talents.

James needs some TLC

¡°If James was such a bad player, he wouldn¡¯t be playing for the Colombia national team and he wouldn¡¯t be their captain", Roberto Carlos argued. "There¡¯s been a lot of talk about how many minutes he¡¯s been getting ¨C he¡¯s in the best team in the world and he needs a bit of love. I went though moments when I needed some love myself... James needs to ask himself, ¡®what can I do to improve? So that the coach doesn¡¯t have any doubts about me¡¯; it depends on him ¨C he¡¯s got the talent, he¡¯s intelligent, he is incredible striking the ball ¨C he¡¯s a brilliant player. For me, he¡¯s a sensation¡±.

Staying mentally focused

However you look at it, the Brazilian explained, you cannot escape the pressure building in the days running up to a derby: ¡°The preparation for a Cl¨¢sico or a derby is no different from that for any other game but there are other things which need to be done because of what goes through the minds of the players; they will be wondering what will happen in the week following the game, how they will be received by their fans at their stadium ¨C because losing a derby or a Cl¨¢sico is like losing a World Cup final".

Tune in, turn off

Roberto Carlos says he always had one method of avoiding being distracted ahead of a derby or a Cl¨¢sico ¡°When you are playing a derby at this level, whether it¡¯s at the Bernab¨¦u or the Calder¨®n, there is huge pressure ¨C and that¡¯s normal. It¡¯s difficult to explain to people but the players out on the pitch know how important it is to win a derby and if you are going to lose, it¡¯s better to lose by the minimum. When there was a derby coming up, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, I¡¯d turn my phone off...

¡°Now, in my ambassadorial role at the club, I can get another view of the impact this game has outside of Spain and I am a bit more relaxed in the days leading up to the game", he concluded.