Pep & Klopp both say this despite being conquered by Real Madrid and I’ll leave you with a final thought on this.
It frustrates both that Real Madrid are a team who don’t consistently dominate and overwhelm them for periods, yet are still able to hurt them. Note how Pep & Bernardo insisted Man City played well in the 1st leg. Real Madrid are a moments team. But there’s a reason why they are able to execute so well in specific moments.
It is down to Real Madrid’s
managers not overcoaching patterns and instead putting their (very intelligent) players in the best areas of the pitch where they can make the best decisions & show their most valuable traits. Carvajal-Modric baiting to kill Liverpool’s press in the 2022 final. Jude positioned high and running the transition back to goal for the 2024 goal at the Etihad. Fede free role from the right wing as a runner to exploit vulnerabilities in how Man City’s defensive line track runners.
Intelligent players empowered by the coaches to execute their best traits in ways that exploit opposition weaknesses. Liverpool & Man City can have their “dominance” as far as Real Madrid are concerned.
Luka Modrić running the show in a Milan Derby at 40 years old is one of those life anomalies that you have to sit back, absorb and let it inspire you. Wow.
@andruchk Now these players need to show this every game. Atleast fight for it, even if we play bad. That's what we are lacking for 1,5 years. I always had the feeling it's 70% on the players dead work rate. They needed that booing, should have be done way earlier
Alvaro Arbeloa said the right things in his first presser as Real Madrid coach. He talked about winning, having the best players in the world, and their positive commitment. His love for Vinicius Jr, Pintus. All the 'right' things.
Hope he is able to prove everyone (including me) wrong. He is a good coach, just don't know if he's the right appointment. Then, again, I don't know what would be the right appointment.
It'll be interesting to see what style Arbeloa goes for. A high-press like the one at Castilla, or a tactically versatile setup similar to those who have come before him. Would have to be the latter if I had to guess.