LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has expressed regret to the supporters following the team’s 4-2 loss to Girona, but he believes Los Blancos “will be fine” when they face Manchester City.
Vinicius Junior and Lucas Vasquez scored for the visitors in a 4-2 hammering of Real Madrid in La Liga on Tuesday night at the Estadi Montilivi, thanks to an unbelievable four goals from New York City FC loanee Valentin Castellanos.
Ancelotti was furious with his team’s defensive performance, but he has pledged that things would change for their Copa del Rey final match against Osasuna and subsequent Champions League semi-final matchup against Manchester City.
“It’s tough because when you lose it must be tough,” the Madrid boss told reporters. “The match was bad in defence. And that was the key, because we did well on the ball, especially at the beginning. But we were not convincing in the duels, we were caught in two counter-attacks, and from there, everything became more difficult.
“I understand that the fans are hurt, we apologise. We are also hurt. But the fans know that we will be fine in the cup final, as well as in the semi-final (against City). It’s harder to say today, but this match does not represent Madrid. We apologise, but we must look ahead.”
Previously, Real Madrid had kept six clear sheets, but against Girona, they played terribly and it was seemingly unusual watching them.
However, Ancelotti is hopeful that this setback would serve as a wake-up call for his team as the season comes to a close.
“Yes, it can (be good for the team),” he added. “A defeat is never good, but the defensive commitment is too important and if we have it, we will always win. It’s unbelievable. The team was on a good defensive streak.
“We conceded with a lack of forcefulness in the duels and a lack of organisation. Every time they came out from the back they made uncontrolled transitions. And in one minute in the second half our legs were cut off. We are very hurt. We have to pick ourselves up. We have everything at stake.”
On Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid will play Almeria in La Liga in an effort to atone for their defeat.
