Jorge Valdano: Madrid Don’t Need To Look To Barca For Answers

Jorge Valdano has spoken for the first time since returning to the Santiago Bernabeu offices earlier on Monday.

The newly installed Real Madrid general director detailed what has been a very hectic 24 hours in the white half of the Spanish capital, and he looked forward to the club’s bid to dethrone the current sweethearts of the football world, Barcelona.

The first question that he had to answer, though, was why he personally selected Manuel Pellegrini to become the new head coach.

“The first reason is that he has a track record that is close to flawless. His work in Spain has been more than exciting. He has grown together with Villarreal and he has been able to adapt himself,” he said in a two-part interview with Marca.

Adapting is something Valdano will have to do himself as he and president Florentino Perez take a second crack at running the club in a vastly different football environment compared to when he first took office as the sporting director nine years ago.

When asked what had changed, he replied, “Florentino and I made a lot of errors, it is necessary to admit that fact. At that time, we had a slogan that became a guide for us, which was ‘Zidanes y Pavones’.

“I believe we made the mistake of trying to mature the young lads without giving them time. The boys went from Segunda B straight to the first team without intermediate experience.

“In contrast, a good example now would be [Alvaro] Negredo, who can return to us with a lot of experience having played a good number of La Liga games.”

Valdano will have the tough job of molding a team capable of challenging Barca, but he does not believe that Madrid need to emulate their arch rivals’ model of success.

He said, “Yes, the demand is even greater on us now, but I like how the Madridismo has responded to the successes of Barcelona.

“We have applauded their good football and their achievements. Now, it is necessary to try and take the titles away from them. We have already done it in the past and we must find our own way of doing it again.

“I disagree with those who say that Madrid must look for their own Iniesta or Guardiola. Madrid have never looked to Barcelona for solutions. Rather, history would suggest it’s the other way around. We cannot show our weakness.”

Finally, he was asked if he had already had a word with his captain and former protege, Raul.

“I have already spoken with the captain of the football and basketball teams. I believe very much in formality. It is not possible to come to this club and think you’re above the players,” he said.

“Every Sunday, these are the players who defend the prestige of the club.”

KS Leong, Goal.com