Real Madrid vs Deportivo

Real Madrid vs Deportivo Preview

 

Deportivo La Coruna coach Miguel Angel Lotina knows his side can to waste chances when they face Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Much has been made of Madrid's goalscoring concerns, with Jose Mourinho's star-studded side having netted only nine times in seven Primera Division and Champions League encounters, but they pale in comparison to 19th-placed Depor's problems.
In their last six matches stretching back to last season the Galician side have netted just two goals - both of which came from Andres Guardado penalties in a seven-minute second-half spell against Getafe a fortnight ago.
Depor are unlikely to get too many chances against a Madrid side that have kept six clean sheets and conceded just once so far, but Lotina admits his side need to score if they are to get anything out of the trip to the capital.
"We know that a goalless draw isn't going to happen, that it's impossible because Madrid are always going to score goals and, if we go out looking for that result, we will lose," he said. "We need to go out and at least score one goal."
Madrid are still finding their way under new coach Mourinho, although they remain unbeaten and have won five of their seven games.
Last weekend Madrid suffered a setback when they were held to a goalless draw at Levante, a result that dropped them to fourth in the standings and two points behind leaders Valencia, but they bounced back with a 1-0 Champions League win over Auxerre in midweek.
Mourinho's Madrid may not have won over the critics but Lotina has no such doubts about the nine-time European champions, who did the double over his side last season.
"Madrid have signed very well, they have some tremendous players, a tremendous squad. When a team doesn't score it's because they don't have definition or don't create chances. Madrid create opportunities and have great players," he said.
"Mourinho has won everything. I understand that Madrid's play can be been criticised, but us coaches we have to have respect because he's won leagues, Champions Leagues and cups. He has won it all and deserves the utmost respect like any coach with this history."
Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso insists his side are pleased with their performances but admits they can still get better.
"I think we are trying to do our best, but we can still improve. We can do a better job collectively. The more games we play, the more we get to know each other and the better we understand the coach's ideas, the more we will become stronger and competitive side," said the Spain international.
"We are a team under construction and the team is working well. We are happy with our play and we are ambitious to improve day by day and game by game."

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