Former Real Madrid player Claude Makélélé has slammed his old club following their derby defeat at the Metropolitano, stating there is 'absolutely nothing' in the team. The ESPN commentator was referring to last Friday's 2-1 loss, a result that leaves Atlético Madrid second in La Liga with 16 points, five behind leaders Barcelona.
Makélélé, who worked with José Mourinho at Chelsea, was blunt in his assessment. "There is no understanding, neither among the players nor with the coach. Mourinho needs to talk to the footballers," he said. The former France international added the team is weak and lacks clear ideas, a diagnosis that arrives amid the first crisis of the season for their city rivals.
The ex-midfielder, who played for Real between 2000 and 2003, dismissed the referee as the issue. "The problem is not the referee, it is evident there are deficiencies in the team," he stated. His words resonate at a time when Atlético, on a three-game winning run, are closely watching the struggles of their biggest local opponent.
The red-and-white victory, with goals from Grimaldo and Jonathan David, solidifies a strong run of form that includes a 4-0 thrashing of Osasuna. Diego Simeone's side now faces the international break before travelling to face sixth-placed Alavés on October 10th.
Read the full report at Mundo Deportivo
