TXabi Alonso’s departure from Real Madrid does not imply continuity or fundamental changes within the team. There are currently tense times in the company after a disastrous end to the Champions League phase with a last-minute 4-2 loss to Benfica.
It’s hard to erase from our minds Jos Mourinho’s jubilation after a goal from the keeper in the dying seconds of the game meant Real Madrid were out of the top eight and directly qualified for the round of 16.
Mbap breaks the silence
In Lisbon, Portugal, team leader Kylian Mbapp did not hide his emotions and made no excuses. The Frenchman believes the team lacks continuity both in performance and results.
“There is no clear explanation. We lack continuity in our play and that needs to be corrected. It’s impossible for a champion team to perform well one day and then perform badly the next. It’s disappointing because we wanted to enter February with room to improve, but we deserve the position we’re in,” Mbapp said in the mixed zone after the match.
Against Estódio da Luz, Mbapp’s two goals were not enough and he pointed out the collective mistakes. “We played poorly. After 3-2, the fourth goal didn’t make any difference, but it’s embarrassing that the goalkeeper scored it. It’s not normal. The third goal wasn’t much different. It just adds to the frustration. We had played at a good level for three games and we couldn’t sustain it,” he declared.
“Last week we played well, but now we didn’t. We need consistency. We’re lacking a little bit of everything. I can’t say it’s just attitude or football, but it’s general. In the Champions League every detail matters and if you’re not ready to win it shows.”
What will he say to his fans after this loss?
The Frenchman asked not to give up his support and concluded: “We ask Santiago Bernab to support us with passion. We are not eliminated from the Champions League and we are doing well in La Liga. If Bernab is with us, we will have a great game on Sunday.”
