Director Jorge Valdano backs Manuel Pellegrini

November 11, 2009

Director Jorge Valdano affirms his faith in coach Manuel Pellegrini and requested for serenity as Real Madrid fans called out for his resignation following a 4-1 aggregate defeat to third division minnows Alcorcon.

A side including Kaka and Ruud van Nistelrooy were knocked out of the Copa del Rey as Real failed to overturn a 4-0 deficit from the first leg, winning just 1-0 in their latest outing at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.

Chants of ‘Pellegrini quit’ rang out around the Bernabeu for around 20 seconds when the 56-year-old took off midfielder Lassana Diarra in the second half and replaced him with defender Marcelo.

Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini defended his tactics and said, “The public were angry when Lass went off and I understand that because he is a player who gives everything. However he had missed a week because of a family problem and this was his fourth game in 12 days. I didn’t want to risk him suffering a muscle problem, it was dangerous for him to continue and I wanted to look after him.”

“If I had been selfish, I would have avoided the criticism, but I was thinking more about the team than myself,” he added.

Pellegrini’s job is again in danger after this defeat but he dogged questions about his future and assured that the team will end its campaign on a successful note.

“The players are behind me, but it’s not easy to overturn a 4-0 defeat, because you are always playing against the score, against the rivals and against your own nerves.”

“We are a point off Barcelona in the League and leaders in our group in the Champions League. This is going to end well,” he insisted.

However, director general Jorge Valdano claims the Chilean coach receives the full support of the Bernabeu hierarchy, despite the 4-1 aggregate to the tiny Segunda B team.

“We can’t think about it too much. The team tried hard in both matches. We have a lot of work ahead.”

“Things that appear impossible can happen in this sport.We played well and had our chances, but we lacked continuity. We weren’t fluid enough to stage the turnaround. Anxiety can perhaps betray in matches like these.”

“We have complete faith in Pellegrini and there is no other option. We need to continue working with humility to reach the level we desire.”

Anurada Bhat

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