Paco Herrera believes that Real Madrid have turned a corner, heading into their Copa del Rey clash with Celta Vigo this Wednesday.
The Galicians travel to the Santiago Bernabeu with a 2-1 lead to defend in the second leg of their Last 16 tie this midweek, but their Coach admits that he sees the League champions as in fighting mood.
“What chance do we have of progressing? As was when we played there in the League, 10 per cent. I get the feeling that Madrid’s game the other day against Real Sociedad was a turning point,” Herrera told reporters in his pre-match Press conference.
“They played the 90 minutes with 10 men and scored four goals. That is something only the best teams can do. They have left the bad times behind.
“I expect the best Real Madrid against us and that’s good for us, so that we value the situation in front of us more too.
“Will I make changes? Not too many. Three or four at most. We have a chance to progress further in the competition and we must fight for it.
“At the same time, we realise that the League is more important for us. I am having trouble finding the middle ground.”
The tactician was asked if he felt he and his Celta team could make Jose Mourinho’s situation at Madrid worse with a surprise result.
“Far from it. We are talking about the best Coach in recent years alongside Guardiola. He has won everything. Real Madrid, their President, they make it clear every day.
“I see that he is a Coach who has so much credit for winning the League in England, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the Champions League with different teams, the Copa del Rey too…
“I do not believe that Real Madrid will allow us any luxury. Their situation is more an internal one than an external one.
“The Casillas situation? I respect what the Coach of another team does and basically I have to defend it. I think when you are taking these decisions you are looking out for your team.
“A technician of his level does not take decisions lightly.”
