Real Madrid have reacted angrily to claims that Barcelona taped defender Pepe through the Clasicos of Spring 2011 and also commented on Radamel Falcao.
It is claimed today that the Catalans arranged to have the Portuguese player’s every action on the pitch during the games against Barcelona at the end of 2010-11 recorded, in anticipation of catching him for unsportsmanlike behaviour.
“Pepe is an extraordinary player of supreme value to us,” responded sporting director Miguel Pardeza when asked for comment today.
“He is a player who gives his all for his club, a strong defender who always plays within the rules and he does not deserve to be tracked like this. Real Madrid have never done something like this.”
Pardeza was also asked for comment on a number of other issues, including the injury crisis the team are experiencing as a result of the international break.
“It is always a major setback to lose players and more so in this case because we have had them all from the same line of the team [the defence].
“But we have to face it in the best possible way and we hope to recover the players soon.”
The director was asked if Radamel Falcao could be a possible future addition to the team, after speculation this week.
“I like more so the forwards we have at Real Madrid, we have the best strikers in the world and we are not missing anyone. We are happy with our front-line and with the rest of the squad.”
Real were drawn against Alcoyano in the Last 32 of the Copa del Rey today.
“They have much experience and our respect. It is important and we are taking this seriously. The Cup is a nice title, we won it two years ago against Barca in a historic and emotional final.
“We have to face the tie against Alcoyano with the utmost responsibility that we face other competitions with.”
