Herrera: ‘Madrid players concerned’

Celta Vigo Coach Paco Herrera has claimed that a Real Madrid player has confessed to him of dressing room concern at the capital side’s form.

Los Blancos sit third in La Liga, 11 points behind leaders Barcelona, and they only qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League second in their group.

The team have visibly struggled to replicate the form from last year and Herrera revealed that after his Celta’s 2-1 first leg Last 16 win over the team, one of their players opened up to him.

“I had a friendly talk with a Real Madrid player after the game yesterday and he told me that he was concerned about their performance this year,” suggested Herrera on Catalunya Radio, before hinting that it was either Jose Maria Callejon or Xabi Alonso.

“I do not understand the difference this season, though. The players are the same. I’ve always said that Real Madrid’s power can kill you, whilst Barcelona go for a slow kill. I do not know what is going on, but Madrid are not transmitting the same.”

Herrera then looked forward to his side’s second leg Cup clash with Madrid, scheduled for the second week of January.

“The 2-0 scoreline had given us an opportunity. Now, though, the favourite is Madrid. We have a small squad, but since we are there we will try, but it is like we have only played 45 minutes.”

Tags Callejon Paco Herrera Xabi Alonso
La Liga - Club News