AFP, Barcelona :
Julen Lopetegui said it was the happiest day of his life being named coach of Real Madrid but he could not have imagined this.
Four and a half months, 138 days, nine La Liga games. One defeat at Camp Nou on Sunday and that might well be that.
If Florentino Perez’s mind is already made up, the result against Barcelona may not matter. A draw, or even a Madrid win, is not beyond the realm of possibility. After all, this game rarely has much respect for form and Lionel Messi is injured.
“It’s a great game for us in this moment because we have no choice but to stand up,” Toni Kroos told AFP this week. “We have to show how good we are against a difficult opponent and I think we can do it.”
A surprise success would make sacking Lopetegui harder to justify but five games without a win, more than eight hours without a goal, these are not quickly forgotten either.
There were disgruntled whistles at full-time on Tuesday, the home fans deflated after watching a team that featured UEFA’s best goalkeeper, defender and player hang on for a 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen.
After the match, Lopetegui talked about turning points and changing dynamics but his demeanour perhaps betrayed the truth. “I don’t often smile anyway,” he said. Madrid’s chaotic performance had weakened his position, not strengthened it.
Isco insisted on Monday that if they fire the coach, they should fire the players too. Lopetegui might have added the one the club did let go last summer took an average of 50 goals a season with him.
Players though are never accountable – certainly not ones crowned European champions only five months ago – and besides, the coach sets the tone.
He instils confidence, which leads to creativity and precision. He also sets the rules and for some, perhaps Perez included, this team has been indulged for too long.
Julen Lopetegui said it was the happiest day of his life being named coach of Real Madrid but he could not have imagined this.
Four and a half months, 138 days, nine La Liga games. One defeat at Camp Nou on Sunday and that might well be that.
If Florentino Perez’s mind is already made up, the result against Barcelona may not matter. A draw, or even a Madrid win, is not beyond the realm of possibility. After all, this game rarely has much respect for form and Lionel Messi is injured.
“It’s a great game for us in this moment because we have no choice but to stand up,” Toni Kroos told AFP this week. “We have to show how good we are against a difficult opponent and I think we can do it.”
A surprise success would make sacking Lopetegui harder to justify but five games without a win, more than eight hours without a goal, these are not quickly forgotten either.
There were disgruntled whistles at full-time on Tuesday, the home fans deflated after watching a team that featured UEFA’s best goalkeeper, defender and player hang on for a 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen.
After the match, Lopetegui talked about turning points and changing dynamics but his demeanour perhaps betrayed the truth. “I don’t often smile anyway,” he said. Madrid’s chaotic performance had weakened his position, not strengthened it.
Isco insisted on Monday that if they fire the coach, they should fire the players too. Lopetegui might have added the one the club did let go last summer took an average of 50 goals a season with him.
Players though are never accountable – certainly not ones crowned European champions only five months ago – and besides, the coach sets the tone.
He instils confidence, which leads to creativity and precision. He also sets the rules and for some, perhaps Perez included, this team has been indulged for too long.
