Real Madrid played against Liverpool, in the quarterfinals of the Champions League in an alternate field at the Santiago Bernabeu, so it received criticism, a situation that came out to defend Jorge Valdano
Jorge Valdano, former Real Madrid general manager and former coach, responded to criticism from Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp for playing at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. The Argentine did not hesitate to downplay Anfield, home of the Reds, when the remodeling of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is completed.
“Madrid has taken the opportunity to make a field of the 21st century and, when the field is finished, what will look like a training ground will be Anfield in comparative terms. You have to adapt to the times, ”the South American said.
He even added that the Spanish capital team does not play at the Di Stéfano venue to obtain any sporting advantage, as since last season, Zinedine Zidane’s team has been playing in Valdebebas, the headquarters of its facilities. training.
“What needs to be taken into account is that Real Madrid does not play in Valdebebas to take a competitive advantage. The even empty Bernabéu is an imposing stadium that somehow influences the opponents, makes the opponents small. Therefore, the Madrid is more what it loses than what it gains in sports with the change of scenery, “he said.
Besides, Valdano acknowledged the statements of Ronald Koeman, technical director of Barcelona, who did not agree with the idea of Klopp and said that the important thing is the condition of the lawn and not the size of the property. “I think Koeman’s is very well taken. Sometimes these things aren’t said because he seems to be defending his lifelong rival, but when things hold common sense don’t strengthen the opponent, but put things in the its rightful place and magnifies whoever says it, “Valdano said.
Prior to the game between Real Madrid and Liverpool, the strategist of the English team expressed his displeasure to play in one of the many training camps of the Iberian team. “This is a training ground. It’s like we’re going to play against United and do it on their training ground.”, He said.
In addition, after the game and the defeat, Klopp again criticized Di Stefano and said that “Anfield is a real stadium.”