Valdano: "Real Madrid don't have a natural goalscorer any more"
Valdano doesn't believe Lopetegui will be sacked but is worried about the lack of confidence in the current Real Madrid squad
Jorge Valdano spoke to Onda Cero's 'El Transistor' radio programme last night to discuss Real Madrid's current problems. Los Blancos are going through a rough patch, in terms of results, but perhaps of greater concern is the lack of goalscoring opportunities - and goals - this team is generating.
"The biggest problem at Real Madrid right now is the lack of confidence. Some players are hiding." Valdano doesn't believe it is a question of a lack of quality, but rather the players lacking self-belief.
Another key difference from this season and the last nine is the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. "At Madrid they had a goalscoring freak who is no longer there. They lost the greatest goalscorer in Real Madrid's history." Madrid's original plan was to strengthen the midfield so they'd have greater control of possession and not play as direct as they did with the 'BBC' up front. Despite having more possession, they haven't been able to control matches. Not Bale nor Benzema look capable of filling the gap left by Cristiano and the team is struggling in attack. "The ability to be a natural goalscorer is as important as having a goalkeeper and right now no player is capable of that."
In regards to Julen Lopetegui and the current crisis at the club: "Sacking a coach is always a failure. I believe Lopetegui is capable of turning the situation around. It's important to offer continuity."
