"You cannot play just one half!" Claude Makélélé criticizes Mourinho's approach with Real Madrid!

Live 69’ LaLiga Spain

Atletico Madrid

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Real Madrid

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Ahead of Sunday's derby with Atletico Madrid, two Real Madrid icons, Steve McManaman and Claude Makelele, have sounded a note of caution for their old club. The pair made it clear that Los Blancos need to iron out the inconsistencies in their approach and go on the offensive if they are to reduce the deficit to Barcelona.

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Claude Makélélé criticizes José Mourinho's style

Steve McManaman and Claude Makelele, both revered figures from Real Madrid's past, dropped by ESPN FC to break down the tactical puzzle awaiting Los Blancos before Sunday's derby at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano against Atletico Madrid. With Barcelona sitting six points clear at the top of the table, the two former stars were unequivocal: anything other than a win is simply not an option.

Diego Simeone's men go into the clash trailing Real Madrid by a mere two points, which only raises the stakes for both sides in the capital.

For the Galactico duo, the message was clear — if their old club wants to stay in the title race, they must make an immediate statement on the road.

Turning to the tactical debate on ESPN FC, Makelele made a passionate case that Real Madrid need to shed their cautious tendencies and commit to a bold, front-foot approach. In his view, the coaching staff should select attack-minded players who can seize control right from the first whistle.

For Makelele, sitting back in a passive shape against elite opposition only invites trouble.

"Real Madrid must show a dominant performance for 90 minutes and play more offensively, rather than defensively," Makelele stated. "You have to be brave and put out attacking players."

Inconsistent performance during the second 45 minutes of every match

All too often, the team has failed to hold onto tactical command for the entire 90 minutes, instead depending on flashes of individual brilliance late on.

Evidence of that habit comes from young forward Carlos Espi, who has already struck two stoppage-time winners this season — the most recent arriving in the dying moments against Elche.

McManaman did not hold back during the broadcast: "You cannot play just one half of football at this level," he warned. "Relying on late moments is dangerous against a team like Atletico."

Hazem Mlhem |

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Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.