Cristiano Ronaldo has laid into his team-mates after Real Madrid’s devastating loss to Atletico Madrid in La Liga effectively ended Los Blancos slim title chances. The Portuguese star maintained that the players on the pitch were not at the same level of quality as himself, which resulted in the 1-0 loss in the Madrid derby.
Speaking at the post-match press conference after the game, Ronaldo gave vent to his opinion as he criticized his team-mates, saying “If everyone was as good as me, maybe we would be first. If a team does not play with the best is difficult to win a long competition. I don't want to insult anyone.”
Ronaldo clarified his viewpoint by noting the absence of Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema as players who were at the same level as him, saying “I do like playing with Karim [Benzema], with [Gareth] Bale, Marcelo, I am not saying that others are not good, for example Danilo has today been the best on the pitch.”
Ronaldo, was one of the few Real players who were bright against Atletico Madrid, although the Portuguese star missed two great opportunities to score, chances that he would ordinarily score with certainty.
The talisman noted that any criticism of his performance was not valid, as the statistics were on his side, saying “From what the press says it seems like I am doing sh*t but the numbers and statistics do not lie. They are there.”
Later in the night, Ronaldo recanted his statement about his teammates being better than he is while speaking to journalists. Here's Sid Lowe's tweet clarifying the same.
Zidane still not giving up on the league
Zinedine Zidane was not as despondent about Real Madrid, although the Frenchman was naturally unhappy with the performance of his charges. The Real Madrid manager hinted at a possible departure, saying “Next year there might be changes, players and coach. But for now we must keep going as we have something to aim for. La Liga is not over, but it was difficult before the game. Now even more. But we will continue, we will not throw in this season.”
Zidane revealed his displeasure with his side, saying “Today is very hard, a very hard blow, to lose at home to Atletico Madrid. It is difficult. The truth is I am not happy with the game, I cannot be happy with the defeat, with what happened, the game we played.”
“Of course it is a difficult moment, it always damages you to lose a derby at home. But we must be professional and think about the next game.”
