Real will not repeat poor defensive display against City: Ancelotti
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was critical of his side’s defence in the aftermath of their shock 4-2 defeat at the hands of Girona.
Valentín Castellanos, who is on loan from New York City FC, scored all four goals with Vinicius Junior and Lucas Vazquez netting consolation goals for Real Madrid, The Athletic reported.
The reigning Spanish champions remained 11 points behind leaders Barcelona having now played a game more following Tuesday evening’s loss.
Ancelotti has promised Real Madrid’s fans a better defensive showing during their upcoming Copa del Rey final against Osasuna and the two-legged Champions League semi-final against Manchester City
“It’s tough, because when you lose it must be tough,” said Ancelotti. “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. We tried to come back with individuals, not as a team. Because today the team didn’t play. The individual level was also below normal, but not just some, but in general. The level was very low.
“Yes, it can (be good for the team). A defeat is never good, but the defensive commitment is too important and if we have it, we will always win.
“If we don’t, it will cost us. It’s the key, the key. Today we didn’t have it. Out of the last seven matches, six clean sheets. And in this one, four goals. I hope my players have understood that. If not, I’ll repeat it every day.
“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 unbelievable. The team was on a good defensive streak. We conceded with a lack of forcefulness in the duels, 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.
“It’s harder to say today, but this match does not represent Madrid. We apologise, but we must look ahead.”