Former Real Madrid manager Bernd Schuster has criticized Jose Mourinho for his side-selection against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey clash earlier this month.
Schuster stated that Mourinho can be held responsible for the team being eliminated from the domestic cup competition, as the Portuguese coach made a number of crucial managerial mistakes. Schuster particularly pointed out the team that the Portuguese tactician
should have played in the match.
Real Madrid were poised to face their traditional foes, Barcelona, in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey.
To the dismay of the Los Blancos faithful, the Whites were defeated by the Catalans on an aggregate of 4-3.
Madrid lost the first leg at home with the final score-line 1-2. It was not the best of performances by Jose Mourinho’s men, despite taking the lead through a http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cristiano-Ronaldo-c9629 goal in the first half.
Los Blancos provided the Catalans with an easy way back into the game and Pep Guardiola’s men had little difficulty in making a crucial comeback.
The second-leg presented a much more thrilling contest as both teams were able to put a very entertaining game of football. Barca went in the lead scoring two goals in the first half.
The match seemed all but over, but Los Blancos managed to find a way back into the game. Madrid equalized in the second-half; however, they were unable to find the all-important third goal.
The match ended with a final score-line of 2-2.
Although the Santiago Bernabeu outfit was able to perform brilliantly in the second-leg, the final score of the first leg proved to vital in giving Barcelona aggregate advantage.
Bernd Schuster criticized the selection of players done by Mourinho at the start of the game. He exclaimed that the 49-year-old is to be held responsible for the team’s loss.
While talking to Onda Cero, the former Los Blancos coach was quoted as saying:
"I could hardly believe it when I saw the team selection. No one knows what happened there. I'd really like to know what he [Mourinho] was thinking there. Giving a player the nod who hadn't played a long time, and using http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pepe-c29670 in midfield. It was weird."
Despite being knocked out of the Copa del Rey, things are looking very bright for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga as they are number one in the league standings with a seven-point advantage over Barcelona.
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