In the press conference prior to the match against RCD Espanyol, the Real Madrid coach avoided commenting on potential internal incidents, reiterating his philosophy that “what happens in the locker room, stays in the locker room.” This stance, which he has maintained for over two decades at the club, is reaffirmed in a complex week marked by speculation about his continuity on the bench.
“"What happens in the locker room, stays in the locker room."
The coach insisted that his sole concern is the next day's match, aiming for three points at the RCDE Stadium. He firmly defended the squad, assuring that he is not disappointed and maintains a “frank” relationship with the players, resolving any issues privately. He underscored his loyalty to the group, stating that he will always back them.
However, he also showed self-criticism, acknowledging the decline in results in recent weeks, especially against rivals like Betis or Girona. He pointed out that the team needs to improve its collective play, as “individual talent alone is not enough,” and requires a more structured game plan with patterns and coordination.
He attributed some errors to the squad's youth, though he highlighted the presence of players with personality and leadership. Regarding Espanyol, he warned about the difficulty of the match, mentioning the stadium atmosphere and the quality of the opposing team, despite their results not reflecting their performance. He concluded that “both teams need the victory for different reasons.”
Finally, he denied that his motivation is to avoid a potential guard of honor for FC Barcelona in the upcoming Clásico, prioritizing the recovery of form. He praised young talents like Gonzalo García and Franco Mastantuono, highlighting their potential and maturity, while clarifying that their future will depend on the club's decisions and the players themselves.
