Real Madrid played against Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the Champions League at an alternative ground at the Santiago Bernabéu, for which they received criticism, a situation that Jorge Valdano came out to defend
Jorge Valdano, the former general manager and former manager of Real Madrid, responded to criticism from Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s technical director, for playing at Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. The Argentine did not hesitate to minimize Anfield, the home of the reds, when the remodeling of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium was completed.
“Madrid took the opportunity to create a field of the 21st century and, when the field is finished, the one who will look like a training ground will be Anfield in comparative terms.. You have to adapt to the times, “said the South American.
He added that the Spanish capital team does not play at the Di Stéfano stadium to gain any sporting advantage, as since last season, Zinedine Zidane’s team has played in Valdebebas, where his training sessions are located.
“What must be taken into account is that Real Madrid do not play in Valdebebas to gain a competitive advantage. The Bernabéu, even empty, is an imposing stadium that somehow influences the opponents, reduces the opponents. Therefore, Madrid loses more than that. what he gains in sports with the changing landscape, “he said.
More, Valdano acknowledged the statements of Ronald Koeman, the technical director of Barcelona, who did not agree with Klopp’s idea and assured that the most important thing is the condition of the lawn and not the size of the property.. “I think Koeman is very well done. Sometimes these things are not said because they seem to defend their rival throughout their lives, but when things make sense, don’t strengthen the rival, but rather put things in their proper place and increase who they say, “he said. Valdano.
Before the match between Real Madrid and Liverpool, the strategist of the English team expressed his dissatisfaction to play in one of the multiple training camps of the Iberian team. “This is a training ground. It’s like playing United and doing it in their training camp. “, He said.
In addition, after the game and defeat, Klopp criticized Di Stéfano again and assured that “Anfield is a real stadium”.