I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 823: Chapter 65: Final: Facing Barcelona Again

Fans of Real Madrid and Barcelona have already arrived in Valencia.

Before the match, tensions were high between the two teams, with various media outlets, stars, and big shots each expressing their opinions.

The Dutch "godfather" Cruyff has been continuously expressing his views on Real Madrid these past two days, stating in his column that Real Madrid fielding 7 defensive players is essentially a reward for Barcelona.

On Monday night, during an exclusive interview with Spain’s COPE Radio, Cruyff reiterated his stance: "I’m not criticizing Real Madrid; I’m pointing out the reality. Real Madrid has shifted from pursuing football to pursuing results. A team uses 7 defensive players at home, it’s clear they haven’t thought about playing beautiful football."

Cruyff also stated he was surprised at Chen Zhong playing as a center forward instead of midfield in the last match: "Chen Zhong is one of Real Madrid’s top performers this season; he wasn’t in his familiar midfield but moved to the front, and I don’t think this is a good arrangement. And when Chen Zhong returned to midfield, Real Madrid was already down to 10 men, and the team’s interest had completely changed."

Cruyff says Mourinho employing the three defensive midfielder tactic is a compliment to Barcelona, "It shows he acknowledges Barcelona plays very well, forcing him to make such a decision. People’s admiration for Barcelona is so high that even a draw at home against Barcelona makes them satisfied."

"But I believe that fans appreciating a draw against Barcelona is a bad example for Real Madrid because Real Madrid is an exceptionally great club with its own values and has fans worldwide. I hope Bernabeu fans can make a change and continue to pursue the kind of football a great team should aspire to."

In his column, Cruyff referred to Mourinho as a coach who pursues trophies rather than football — a view he still maintains: "Not assigning Chen Zhong to play midfield but putting him upfront as a functional center forward is the best example of sacrificing the spectacle of football."

"His career shows he has won many titles, but whether at Chelsea or Inter, he didn’t produce appealing football."

"Winning is important, but for me, winning comes second." Regarding accusations that Real Madrid’s approach seems petty, Cruyff stated: "I’m not saying Real Madrid is big or small, I’m only saying Real Madrid fielded 7 defensive players during the match."

Cruyff said in his column that Mourinho should practice nine against eleven men because if they continue this way, more players will be sent off. He explained on the radio: "It’s because he’s been wailing in various languages on television, so I made that assumption." Will Pepe be sent off at Mestalla? The Dutchman said: "Last Saturday, his fouls were enough for a red card. What I don’t like is a player being sent off without injuring the opponent (referring to Albiol’s foul on Villa). A penalty was already severe enough. Sending off a player distorts the game. A player who hardly harmed the opponent was sent off, but another who fouled a thousand times was not. According to the rules, Albiol should have been sent off, but I’m not interested in the rules; I’m interested in football. In that situation, a yellow card would suffice."

Many say it’s unfair that the referee sent Albiol off but not Alves. Cruyff responded: "Everyone can express their opinions on this issue, but I’ve said before, how people view it, I’m not interested. I’m interested in when Real Madrid will return to form and play like Michelle and his teammates."

Should Real Madrid change their play style for the King’s Cup match? Cruyff stated: "No, there’s no need. Mourinho’s football is most suited for winning finals. Mourinho is an excellent coach but he does not favor beautiful football. Last Saturday’s match was a rehearsal for the King’s Cup final; he abandoned the league just to rehearse for the final." So, between Real Madrid and Barcelona, who is favored to win the King’s Cup? "Football-wise, Barcelona is favored, but the outcome is uncertain." Who will make it to the Wembley finals in the Champions Cup? "That’s also unknown, but Wednesday’s match will impact the Champions Cup games."

Cruyff also said he will never coach like Mourinho: "I would never coach a team that plays this kind of football. Whether winning or losing, we all have our own football taste. I often say just winning for a great club like Real Madrid isn’t enough, you also have the responsibility to provide enjoyment to thousands of fans all over the world."

On the eve of the King’s Cup final, a column by Real Madrid’s honorary president Di Stefano in Marca also sparked huge controversy.

In this article, Di Stefano severely criticized Mourinho.

He stated Mourinho’s intention to counter Barcelona with defense and counter-attack isn’t the correct approach. The football Barcelona displayed at Bernabeu was dazzling, and their advantage was very clear, as seen by audiences all over the globe.

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