Real Madrid legend lashes out at team after Atletico defeat: ‘The problem isn’t the referee’
· Yahoo Sports
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Real Madrid’s defeat to Atletico Madrid last evening brought to the fore several of the team’s deficiencies, primarily with respect to the lack of a clear game plan.
Los Blancoswere uninspiring on the night once again, and while they conveniently deflected the blame onto the refereeing, they were second-best even when there were twenty-two players on the field.
Real Madrid’s form on the road has been largely poor this season, and the defeat to Atletico Madrid marked their second defeat away from home, thus taking them six points behind Barcelona.
Heading into the international break, Jose Mourinho has a lot to think about as there are several urgent fixes required if the team are to remain competitive throughout the course of the season.
Makelele’s thoughts
Speaking to the media in a recent interaction via GOAL, former Real Madrid player and club legend Claude Makelele explained what was lacking in the current team under Jose Mourinho and why the team were struggling.
Mourinho has a big problem to solve. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
“There is no understanding between the players, or between the players and the coach. Mourinho needs to talk to them.”
He then elaborated on the fact that the team lack inspiration on the field and how the team have to do far better.
“The team is weak, there’s no game plan or clear ideas. There’s absolutely nothing. We have to demand more from them.”
Finally, he lashed out at the team for hiding behind the excuse of refereeing and stated firmly that retrospection was far more important at this point in time.
“The problem isn’t the referee; there’s a clear deficiency in the team.”
A need to own up
Serious retrospection needed. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s instinctive idea to deflect the blame of Sunday’s defeat on the referee may have some merit, but it largely comes across as a means to cover up a glaring issue that requires fixing.
There is, thus, a serious need for the team and management to reflect and own up to their flaws, for the mark of a great team lies in identifying their setbacks.
As stated by Makelele, Real Madrid’s primary issue this season is their lack of unity, creativity and a game plan – and all eyes will be on Jose Mourinho to see how he addresses the same.
After all, the manager has been strongly backed by the board, and it is now his time to deliver results.