Mourinho calls for a comeback from Madrid as Barcelona go clear by two points
Jose Mourinho has come out and called on his team to showcase some character after they were battered by Barcelona at the Nou Camp on Monday night in the El Classico. Real Madrid who were leading the Spanish league before the encounter
in Cataluña now trail the Spanish champions by a singular point after being humbled by Pep Guardiola’s team. Jose Mourinho was also put to test during the match as his team conceded five goals against a rampant Barcelona attack. After spending a relatively
“easy” first three months of the season at Real, the Portuguese manager has now got his work cut out as Madrid look to bounce back from one of their biggest defeats ever at the Nou Camp.
Real Madrid were unbeaten before suffering the loss to Barcelona as Mourinho’s men had won 15 out of their 19 games in the season thus far in all competitions, the remaining four ended as draws for the Los Blancos. Madrid return to their
training complex on Wednesday and it is expected that Mourinho will look into his side’s failings against Barcelona.
He spoke after the El Classico about the match, as the ex-Chelsea man said, "We must have character. You cannot cry when you concede four or five goals. You must be anxious to return to work and win the next match. I wish the Valencia
match was tomorrow and not Saturday. After such a bad match you must go right back to work, play and win."
Real’s general director, Jorge Valdano was also looking at the positives after his team’s loss to Barcelona. Jorge said, "It's been a game which will help us understand football at the highest level and to continue maturing. Madrid is
a team for men and situations like this test your manliness. We will all know how to overcome this situation,"
Real Madrid and Barcelona have both played down the result as it is still three points in the larger context of the Spanish Primera Division. Real’s general director said, "We have very good players, a competent coach and this cannot be
a decisive blow (in the title race) in the 13th week of the season."
On the other hand, Xabi Alonso was also disappointed after the thrashing. He nonetheless had words to comment regarding the match. Real’s midfielder added on the issue, "We did not expect this, but there is still a lot of season left and
nothing has finished. We are not happy, but we shouldn't jump to conclusions. We must only look towards the future."
Barcelona’s captain, Carles Puyol also played down his team’s five goal win against their arch rivals as he said, "This victory is only worth three points. I'm convinced that we are (both) going to continue on the same line because Madrid
have a great team."
With Barcelona presenting proof for those who doubted Catalans over Madrista this seem like a wakeup call. After such a trashing; Los Blancos will certainly have to regain their dominance and impression of being the best in Spain.
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