|
|
Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka criticises Barcelona's treatment of referees
Jose Mourinho's number two says the Blaugrana are aware that they target match officials and has backed Nuri Sahin to overcome his difficult start to life in the Spanish capital
3 Feb 2012 15:58:00
By Enis Koylu
Getty Images
Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka has spoken out about the current row involving Barcelona's treatment of referees, saying that Pep Guardiola's squad are aware that they frequently complain about match officials.
Barca stars Lionel Messi and Xavi hit out at the standard of refereeing in La Liga, prompting Jose Callejon to accuse the Blaugrana of being hypocrites.
Guardiola was quick to leap to his players' defence, but Karanka feels the Camp Nou outfit frequently complain about referees, pointing out that his side have been frequently castigated for protesting decisions.
"They know that they do complain," Karanka said, according to Marca. "Now it's them who are talking about referees."
Karanka went on to speak about Nuri Sahin's situation at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Turkey star has found first-team chances sparse during his time in the Spanish capital, but the 38-year-old has backed the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder to overcome his problems.
"He isn't at the right level of confidence because he hasn't been in shape and hasn't had opportunities.
"He came from Germany as a major player and seems to be missing that. But he'll prevail."
Finally, Karanka reiterated that Xabi Alonso will be fit to play against Getafe on Saturday, but that the local derby comes to soon for Angel Di Maria.
"Xabi has trained with us and is doing well. Di Maria is not 100 per cent yet."
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
Barca stars Lionel Messi and Xavi hit out at the standard of refereeing in La Liga, prompting Jose Callejon to accuse the Blaugrana of being hypocrites.
Guardiola was quick to leap to his players' defence, but Karanka feels the Camp Nou outfit frequently complain about referees, pointing out that his side have been frequently castigated for protesting decisions.
"They know that they do complain," Karanka said, according to Marca. "Now it's them who are talking about referees."
Karanka went on to speak about Nuri Sahin's situation at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Turkey star has found first-team chances sparse during his time in the Spanish capital, but the 38-year-old has backed the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder to overcome his problems.
"He isn't at the right level of confidence because he hasn't been in shape and hasn't had opportunities.
"He came from Germany as a major player and seems to be missing that. But he'll prevail."
Finally, Karanka reiterated that Xabi Alonso will be fit to play against Getafe on Saturday, but that the local derby comes to soon for Angel Di Maria.
"Xabi has trained with us and is doing well. Di Maria is not 100 per cent yet."
Starting in November and continuing through to the middle of February, Goal.com is publishing exclusive extracts from Graham Hunter's highly-anticipated new book, 'Barca: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World'. Last Friday's extract looked at how Barca suffered rare disappointment at the hands of Real Madrid in a gripping finale to last season's Copa del Rey. Don't miss it!
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Live!
England 1-0 Belgium, Netherlands 6-0 Northern Ireland - follow all the international action LIVE! ahead of Euro 2012
With countries across the continent gearing up for their final warm-up games ahead of Euro 2012, join us for all the action from Saturday's friendlies. Get in touch with us via Twitter with your reaction.
Hosted by Joe Doyle
Hosted by Joe Doyle
21:38 BST
And it's now 3-1 to Turkey! An own goal from Pepe and we're into time added on. Do people think Portugal will qualify from their group?
21:34 BST
Into the final few minutes with Portugal still 2-1 down to Turkey. Cristiano Ronaldo missed his second ever penalty for Portugal earlier on.
21:12 BST
Elsewhere in Europe, Portugal are currently losing at home to Turkey. Not looking good for them at the Euros!
21:03 BST
As promised, here is the match report on Netherlands 6-0 Northern Ireland.
21:00 BST
And here's more from Roy Hodgson on the injury concerns in the England squad.
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
-
Rodgers ushers in new Anfield era on his own terms
The Northern Irishman inevitably expressed his delight at landing the Reds job but evidenced plenty of the steely resolve which could see him become a success at Anfield
-
The definitive timeline of FSG's hunt for new manager
Kenny Dalglish's sacking at the end of the season sparked a massive hunt for the next Anfield boss, and the former Swansea man has been chosen after several turned the job down
