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Raul Is An Option To Start Against Atletico Madrid But Guti Is Not - Real Madrid Coach Manuel Pellegrini

He says Guti's performance level has dropped...

Nov 7, 2009 12:07:27 AM

Manuel Pellegrini, Real Madrid (Goal.com)

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Manuel Pellegrini, Real Madrid (Goal.com)

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Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that veteran striker Raul is an option to start against Atletico Madrid in the city derby on Saturday and reiterated that midfielder Guti's absence from the team is not punishment.

"There is no problem with Raul, before he played a lot more and now he comes in from the bench. His form makes him an option to start. There are no doubts about him," he told a press conference.

Guti has not featured for Los Blancos since his reported half-time outburst at Pellegrini during the 4-0 defeat in the Copa del Rey fourth round, first leg against Alcorcon but Pellegrini insists his absence is not for disciplinary reasons.

"There's no physical problem [with Guti]. Simply, this time I have not opted for him, but he has received no punishment," Pellegrini stated.

"I hope he regains his best level because he was very committed and is a very important player, but in my opinion, he has declined in relative terms. When I see the level I will summon him again. There was no fight, nor is he punished. He didn't insult me, but even though I keep saying it people keep saying I'm lying."

Paul Madden, Goal.com