Laudrup: Madrid’s style works

Michael Laudrup has said that Real Madrid’s counter-attacking approach is acceptable because it is so effective.

Laudrup was speaking at a promotional event for a Champions League sponsor and added that the different styles on show in the Champions League semi-finals are dependent on a number of factors.

The Coaches should be left to do what’s best for their team, the former Swansea City boss insisted.

“Everyone can play the way they want. I’ve nothing to say about it,” AS quotes Laudrup as saying.

“Both semi-finals were as I thought they would be, especially Atletico Madrid vs. Chelsea – both highly organised, Chelsea wanting to get back home without conceding.

“Atletico attacked, obviously, but they were always thinking about not conceding a goal, so we had a game of very few chances.

“In the other, Bayern Munich started the first 20 minutes great. But Madrid scored first and had two more clear chances, through Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria, to go further ahead.

“I think Madrid are very happy with the result because with the players they have they are the best team in the world at counter-attacking.

“They know they can score in Munich and if they do, Bayern have to score three. It’s complicated for the Germans this time.

Laudrup also noted that despite both first-legs having been played, he can’t pick a winner of the tournament as a whole.

“I don’t know, because all four teams belong to be where they are. Atletico won against Barcelona. Chelsea thought they were out but Jose Mourinho’s teams are very competitive,” he continued

“Madrid and Bayern have both been good, so I can’t say.

“What we know for sure is that it will be two different styles in the final.”

Laudrup was asked which in his mind was the better approach but insisted it was a pragmatic choice depending on the players available and the Coach’s preference.

“It’s a matter of taste. Everyone tries to make the best of their team,” he said.

“We talk a lot, especially here in Spain, about Barca and Madrid, but also this season Atletico and they have a lot of merit because competing with two big teams is difficult.

“They could with either the League or the Champions League. I repeat, they have a lot of merit.

“I see Atletico-Chelsea as 50/50. The first to score goes to the final.

“In the other game, Madrid are favourites by a tad. There’s very little between them because Bayern have the quality to overturn the result.”

Tags Michael Laudrup
La Liga - Club News