Real Madrid take on Valencia at Mestalla later today in a massive league clash, one that has given them serious trouble in the past.
After all, Los Blancos’ recent track record at the stadium is nothing to boast of. In their last eleven games at the venue, they have won just three and lost five times.
Advertisement
When one dives deeper, it becomes clear that even last season’s win at the venue was anything but clear as only a Jude Bellingham winner deep in extra-time sealed the three points for them.
Former Valencia administrator speaks
Speaking to the media in a recent interview, Valencia’s former Sporting Director Miguel Angel Corona opened up on the upcoming clash and what he expects from it.
He began by speaking on how Real Madrid are now fragile compared to the level they were in a few years ago.
“Yes. At the very high level at which Madrid compete, they are and I don’t think it’s an opinion, it’s something obvious.”
“They have had many misfortunes with injuries, especially in defense, and it is part of the explanation for not being as compact and strong a team as it should be, especially in defense,” he added.
Advertisement
When asked about how Valencia have historically troubled Real Madrid at the Mestalla, the manager said,
“Madrid is going to suffer and I foresee a very hard game for them. In Valencia, this match is lived with a lot of enthusiasm and competitive pressure.”
Real Madrid have struggled at Mestalla in recent times. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Speaking on Los Blancos’ recent record at Mestalla where they have just three wins and five defeats in their last eleven games, Corona stated that even last year’s win for them was lucky.
“And last year’s, which was a 1-2 victory for Madrid, could also be perfectly for Valencia, or at least a draw, with the winner coming in minute 98.”
As a sporting director himself, he was asked who he would sign for Real Madrid’s midfield if given a free hand, to which he said, “Pedri or Vitinha.”
Advertisement
The former Valencia administrator then spoke on what Real Madrid were missing to get back to their level.
“It’s not easy to talk from the outside. Madrid has a young squad with a lot of room for growth and players who need competitive maturity, something very important to be able to aspire to win.”
He then praised Dean Huijsen as a player he really liked and saw to have immense potential.
“I like Huijsen. I see him with a great capacity to become very big. I think he will be world-class in the future.”
Finally, he was asked if Real Madrid’s decision to pass on Martin Zubimendi was a mistake, to which he said,
Advertisement
“Zubimendi is a great player, but Madrid has other players with different characteristics.”
“He is a game controller and there is no profile like him at the base. Anyway, a single player is not the solution to problems.”
Source: Diario AS
Read the full article here
