Magnus Carlsen's interview with VG TV; translated by Tarjei Svensen

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."

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."

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."

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."

Carlsen thinks the two long wins he had in Sinquefield Cup was very positive. "It was incredibly satisfiying and a very good sign."

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 events 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."

Carlsen: "If it's tiring for me, it will be even tougher for Caruana."

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."

Carlsen: "I am still a child in my brain, so why not youthful energy?"

Carlsen: "On paper this is my absolute worst opponent. That's why I think the match will be different than previously."

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."