Espanyol Coach Javier Aguirre believes Real Madrid can win every competition this season.
Aguirre told reporters after his side were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Madrid that the quality available to Carlo Ancelotti means they could triumph in every tournament.
“Real Madrid is a candidate for all competitions,” Aguirre said.
“They are very difficult to stop.
“We’ve competed with them and been close. But they are hard to beat on their own ground.
“We have to applaud them because they are deserving winners.”
A Jese goal decided the second-leg, with Madrid winning 2-0 on aggregate.
Aguirre felt however that his side acquitted themselves well.
“We tried to starve Madrid of the ball but they pressed us hard in our half.
“We missed having the ball in the first 20 minutes and we conceded a goal, so it was all uphill then.
“Afterwards we played a decent game but it was impossible to avoid going out.
“But we had some very nice individual performances. We made six or seven changes and they worked for us.”
When asked about the virtues of Madrid, Aguirre pinpointed one element of their game in particular.
“Comparisons are odious but in the three games we’ve played, they all run and that’s down to the Coach.
“Normally with the big teams if we put in extra work we can compensate but if they put in the extra, they’re insurmountable.
“During the three games Madrid ran as much as us. Then when it comes to individual players, they’re clearly among the best in the world.”
Avoiding relegation is now Espanyol’s main target for the season and Aguirre believes he knows how many points will be needed.
“The average figure is 42 points. That’s the magic number for salvation.
“We need five wins and a draw. I think it’s best not to add and subtract for every game but see how each game goes.”
Aguirre also singled out goalkeeper Kiko Casilla for praise.
“He’s been at this level since I arrived and put him in the team.
“Everyone makes mistakes but he’s been playing superbly. He’s a very important player for us.”
