Real Madrid played against Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the Champions League in an alternative field to the Santiago Bernabéu, for which they were criticized, a situation Jorge Valdano came to defend
Jorge Valdano, the former general manager and former Real Madrid manager, responded to criticism from Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool technical director, for playing at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium before the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. The Argentinian did not hesitate to minimize Anfield, home of the Reds, when the conversion of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium was completed.
Madrid has taken the opportunity to create a 21st century field and, when the field is finished, the field that looks like a training field will be Anfield in comparative terms.You have to adapt to the times, ”said the South American.
He even added that the Spanish capital’s team will not play at the Di Stéfano stadium to gain any sporting advantage, as Zinedine Zidane’s team has been playing in Valdebebas, the home of its training facilities, since last season.
“What has to be taken into account is that Real Madrid is not playing in Valdebebas to gain competitive advantage. The Bernabéu, even empty, is an imposing stadium that somehow affects the opponents, shrinks the opponents. He loses gains in sports with the change of scenery, ”he said.
In addition, Valdano acknowledged the statements made by Ronald Koeman, Barcelona technical director, who disagreed with Klopp’s idea and assured that the most important thing is the condition of the lawn and not the size of the site.“I think Koeman has done very well. Sometimes these things aren’t said because it seems like he’s defending his lifelong rival, but when things have common sense, you’re not reinforcing the rival, you’re putting things in the right place and increasing whoever is saying it, ”said Valdano.
Before the match between Real Madrid and Liverpool, the England team’s quarterback expressed his displeasure at playing in one of the Iberian team’s many training camps. “This is a training ground. It’s like we’re going to play United and we’re doing that in their training camp. “, He said.
Moreover, after the game and the defeat, Klopp again criticized Di Stéfano and assured that “Anfield is a real stadium”.