Keylor Navas sits down with Mahoud ahead of UCL Final

Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas sat down for an interview ahead of the Champions League Final this weekend. Here’s a look at what he had to say.

Costa Rican international, Keylor Navas, sat down for an interview to share his thoughts on the UCL Final. Navas has been the first-team goalkeeper and played the majority of the minutes this season. Despite all the pessimism surrounding the keeper, he has saved Madrid’s blushes numerous times with remarkable performances.

In the Champions League, Navas has not missed a beat as he has played 10 games, only missing out twice due to injury. The keeper made his move in the summer of 2014 from Levante UD. Since he began his time in Madrid, he has been a key part of the two Champions League titles and possibly a third.

All quotes have been taken directly from the Offical Real Madrid page.

Opening Statement

"“First of all, it’s something very nice. We’re going into it relaxed and with a lot of humility, which is a characteristic that has taken us to where we are.”“Although we can often be seen as favourites, we always go in to the games with humility, we respect the opponents, we know what we can give of ourselves and we try our best, we try to win the matches and on top of that we’ll look to enjoy this opportunity that we have to make history, I hope we can keep this story going.”"

Say what you will about the keeper, but he is a great example of humility and selflessness. He has been instrumental in Madrid’s last two titles with incredible performances. The story will keep going if he has another big performance and shuts down Liverpool’s prolific front three.

Experience

"“We have a changing room in which there are players who have already been in finals and have a lot of experience, it doesn’t mean that people relax or think they’re going to win easily, but it’s not a new situation and they know how to handle it so that when the time the game comes around, everyone turns up in the best shape and gives their best.”"

At 31 years of age, there is no doubting that Navas has a wealth of experience under his belt. He has come up against the top team of three European leagues this campaign alone. If that doesn’t scream experience, I don’t know what does.

Keylor also points to his teammates and the experience that they possess. Madrid continues to rewrite the history books as they are making their fourth Finals appearance in five years. The core of the team that has played in the previous three finals is still around today.

Big Saves

"“It was down to the hard work of the whole group and that’s why he got a good result. Personally, I’m also very satisfied because I was able to contribute. They’re the games that you dream about, you always want to play well and reach a final. Everything came together and it was a great feeling.”“It’s normal to be nervous before a game. We all get butterflies in our stomachs and things like that. Some get them in the afternoon, others on the bus, but when you go out to warm up everything disappears because you are focussed and everything flows.”"

It’s true, Keylor has slipped up at times, but more often than not, he has been the saving grace. Like anyone, he gets nervous, but the number of out of this world performances he’s had deserves all the praise.

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Liverpool

"“It’ll be very difficult. We know the type of team they are, the speed and their style of play. Individually they also have players who can make a difference, but we’ve taken that in to account and respect it. I always think that I have the best defence in the world, I trust my teammates, that they will do their best and they are the best people to be able to resolve this type of problem.”"

One of the many things people respect about Keylor is his lack of arrogance and abundance of respect he shows. While Liverpool boasts a threatening front three, he has all the faith in himself and more so in his defense to get the job done. He could be the one to put out the fire of Mohammed Salah.

Fan Support

"“I’ve always said that when you’re coming to the stadium and you see the fans out of the window, it’s like injecting blood into your veins, it’s something that motivates you a lot. The fans are extremely important for us. In times when we’ve needed them, they’ve always been there. They’re very nice moments and hopefully we can give joy to all of them.”"

My Thoughts

With all the hate from fans on social media and even at games, Keylor Navas has stayed true to the badge of Real Madrid. Even with the media stirring the pot with stories that the board will be looking to ship him out in the next transfer window, he has stayed loyal.

The goalkeeper hits the training ground with 100 percent effort every time, and even when he was injured, worked harder to come back.

Navas will be playing in his third UCL Final for Real Madrid. Keep in mind, many goalkeepers don’t even reach one in their entire career. Keylor has the experience, thick skin, and can do attitude to help this team once again. Manager Zinedine Zidane also believes in his shot-stopper, deciding to put his complete faith in his man despite having the chance to move on.

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This season, Navas has had his ups and downs, from big saves against Paris Saint-Germain to golden wrapped gifts against Juventus. Playing against the biggest club and names, Navas conceded 12 goals this campaign, some due to grave lapses in defense. Over the course of 10 games, he had two clean sheets.

Sure, there is David De Gea, Jan Oblak, and Thibaut Courtois just to name a few, but the man with the number 1 jersey is Keylor Navas.

There should be no doubt in the minds of fans that Navas will get the job done in Kiev. He had a huge performance against Atletico Madrid in 2016 and again in 2017 against Juventus. Keylor has all the traits of a top-class goalkeeper, he just needs to show it on the pitch once again.

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Real Madrid: Keylor Navas sits down with Mahou to discuss the Champions League Final

By Mushtaq Nizamdin | May 23, 2018