Some interesting quotes by Carlsen in a recent interview with VG (subscribers only). In this thread. 👇#CarlsenCaruana
Carlsen: "I know more chess than I did in 2013, but still my rating is lower and my results are worse. It just doesn't make sense." #CarlsenCaruana
Carlsen says he may not have the same energy as he used to have when he peaked: "I felt that I didn't have as much energy against Karjakin in 2016. But it's not just in World Championships, tournaments as well." #CarlsenCaruana
Carlsen: "Keeping in mind how incredibly stubborn I was back then ... I never stopped playing for a win, almost no matter what. I've noticed the last few years that I can't force myself to concentrate and look for tiny chances." #CarlsenCaruana
Carlsen: "If I have to sit for four hours extra even with only 2 percent winning chance in order to avoid a draw, it's worth it. But I haven't had the same drive and energy the last few years." #CarlsenCaruana
Carlsen thinks the two long wins he had in #SinquefieldCup was very positive. "It was incredibly satisfiying and a very good sign." #CarlsenCaruana
Carlsen: "I am trying to pull myself together in order to get a better physical shape. And to become better mentally. I hope I will succeed. Sinquefield Cup was a good sign. By the way, when I think about it, I also played well there last year. After that, it went downhill!"
Carlsen "Caruana has two Candidate evens on his belt. It will help him. But I hope the experience from the other WC matches can help me in the beginning. You can prepare mentally as much as you want, but when you get there and sit at the board, there is something extra, pressure"
Carlsen: "I am not sure if anything can come as a complete surprise to me. But obviously it will help if I don't blunder knights and bishops like crazy." #CarlsenCaruana
Carlsen: "If it's tiring for me, it will be even tougher for Caruana." #CarlsenCaruana
Carlsen: "Having enough energy will be extremely important. I am not going to say I am old, but it's easier as a 21-22 year old than as a 27-28 year old to be able to float on youthful energy. I have to be more conscious about these things now." #CarlsenCaruana
Carlsen: "I am still a child in my brain, so why not youthful energy?" #CarlsenCaruana
Carlsen: "On paper this is my absolute worst opponent. That's why I think the match will be different than previously." #CarlsenCaruana
Carlsen says he will prepare differently this time: "It's clear that Anand and Karjakin was very much based on preparations, while Caruana thinks different and doesn't depend on preparations as much." #CarlsenCaruana
Carlsen on Caruana's greatest stength: "His middle game! He will likely feel that he in some middlegames can navigate better than me. That's what he will aim for." #CarlsenCaruana
Carlsen: "In long endgames, I still think I have an advantage against Caruana. He can work on it, but I don't think he can equalize my edge in only a few months." #CarlsenCaruana
Carlsen: "I have an advantage that eventually will be gone, but if I get a few punches in the beginning - not necessarily speaking about winning games - then the pressure on Caruana will become worse." #CarlsenCaruana
Carlsen on Anand-Carlsen in Chennai in '13: "Even though it was my best WC match until now, the first three games sucked. If Anand had used his opportunity there, history could've been very different." #CarlsenCaruana
Carlsen: "No WC title can be taken for granted, not in any format. It would be huge for me if I am able to win again." #CarlsenCaruana
