Real Madrid must show greater discipline and collective focus if they are to maintain their winning record against Real Betis on Friday, according to club legend Jorge Valdano.
The two sides meet at La Cartuja in the fourth round of La Liga, with Real Madrid facing a demanding test against a Real Betis side unlikely to give their opponents anything easily on home territory.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho said before the match that he expects to see the best from his players, believing that a complete performance would bring the Spanish giants closer to preserving their 100% record.
Valdano, however, believes the most important factor will be the way Mourinho’s squad carries out its responsibilities throughout the game. Speaking to Movistar, in comments reported by Defensa Central, Valdano said: “I have the impression that Mourinho is working very effectively on the players’ duties.”
He added: “The talent is there, and if the work on those duties is done properly, it becomes much easier for Real Madrid to maintain their focus throughout the match.”
Valdano also highlighted the impact of the team’s pressing, saying: “Starting from the pressure, everyone seemed more connected and inspired.”
His assessment reflects comments Mourinho made after Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Espanyol. The Portuguese manager told the media that he would need every member of his squad to help restore the competitiveness the team had lost and challenge for every available trophy.
“I cannot perform a miracle and start a match with 14 or 15 players,” said Mourinho. “They have to deal with the frustration of not starting the match or not playing, and they have to understand that I feel torn inside when I have to leave out some players. If they do not work or lose their motivation, it is very easy for me to keep certain players out of the squad.”
Mourinho insisted that no player could afford to take the club’s demands lightly as Real Madrid compete on four fronts.
“Real Madrid cannot allow themselves not to fight for the win,” he said. “We will lose matches, and I hope there will not be many, but Real Madrid have to approach four competitions seriously. We cannot do that with 10 players, or 11 or 12 or 15 players. We need this squad. That is what I expect from them: professionalism and the desire to work for the team.”
Those comments formed the central message Mourinho delivered at his news conference: every member of the squad has a role to play over the course of the season.
The match against Real Betis will therefore test more than Real Madrid’s attacking talent. Mourinho will also be looking for the concentration, commitment and collective effort Valdano believes can provide the foundation for continued success.
