Keylor Navas, Real Madrid goalkeeper has stressed that his club cannot afford to make mistakes as they reach the halfway stage of the season atop La Liga, with a perfect record in the Champions League and two wins away from a Club World Cup triumph.
The reigning European champions recovered from a stuttering start to 2014-15 to embark upon a club-record, 19-game winning streak, which can be extended again on Friday when the Blancos travel to Almeria in their final Primera Division game of the calendar year.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men are the only team with a 100 per cent record in the Champions League and are heavy favourites to come away from December’s Club World Cup as victors.
However, Costa Rica international Navas, who joined from Levante this summer, has warned his team-mates not to let their concentration slip as the winter break approaches.
“We must be prepared to close out games and stay focused,” the goalkeeper told his club’s official website. “We know that at any time the opponent can pose a danger and we have to be ready to stop them.
“This team cannot make mistakes, we must stay focused 100 per cent and work to be prepared at that time.
“Every victory is celebrated, we are delighted when we win. We know we’re at a winning club where you have to triumph; every game that brings us closer to our goals of being champions.”
Navas has largely played second-fiddle to Iker Casillas since his arrival, but the shot-stopper does not seem to be too bothered by his lack of gametime and is thrilled to have played a part in the Blancos’ last two European wins.
“It’s amazing to be at Real Madrid,” he added. “It’s a dream for any player that, when it becomes a reality, is difficult to explain.
“I think about everything I’ve been through to get here. Playing in the Champions League … I enjoyed it from the moment we left the changing room. The only way I’d heard that anthem before was on television and being there was a dream come true.
“I always wanted to win titles and now I have the chance. I try to adapt, to commit and to contribute. The road is hard, there will be barriers, but I’m willing to work hard for many titles here.” (goal.com)
