Marcelo on Cristiano Ronaldo: The Real Madrid defender reflected on the club’s season so far, and also talked about Ronaldo.
Real Madrid have had a difficult season so far. The side is currently 5th in La Liga and have already seen two managerial changes since the beginning of the season.
After Zinedine Zidane’s resignation, the club appointed Julen Lopetegui in a controversial announcement, but parted ways with him after a series of disappointing performances, which ended with a crushing 5-1 loss at Camp Nou.
The side also underwent their worst goalless run in club’s history under Lopetegui. The absence of Cristiano Ronaldo left a significant void in the club’s offensive quality, and Real Madrid are yet to find a suitable replacement for the Portuguese star.
Real Madrid defender Marcelo, meanwhile, has talked about the club’s difficult season and the impact of Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the club. Earlier, Santiago Solari also commented on Ronaldo’s controversial interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.
Marcelo on Cristiano Ronaldo:
The Brazilian defender admitted that a tough season was inevitable with the departure of Ronaldo, but stated that it is too early to judge them.
“You can’t rate a season in September, it’s crazy,” Marcelo said.
“It’s February when everything starts to take shape, and at the moment we’re alive in all the competitions. Now we have a Club World Cup that we have to win.”
Marcelo stated that Real Madrid’s Champions League successes over the past five seasons have been incredible.
“We have won 4 Champions Leagues in 5 years and everyone thinks its normal but it isn’t. There are some big teams who have won only 1 or 2 or may be none.
“We have created a very strong team and we have been together for long which is one of the keys to winning Champions League. It doesn’t make it easier to win the Champions League but it becomes less difficult.”
Marcelo also talked about the impact of Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to Juventus. The Brazilian called him the best player in the world, admitting that Real Madrid ‘misses him.’
“Cristiano speaks of Juventus. Real Madrid has not spoken at any time. Cristiano has been here for 9 years & if he has some problems, they are his. I’ve never had any problems and there’s nothing else to talk about.”
“Cristiano was not only a teammate but he is also my friend.
“It is clear that if the best player in the World is not in your team, you will miss him. Any team will like to have Cristiano Ronaldo but in the end, Madrid will always be Madrid and we will have the best players in every position.”
Earlier, Ronaldo gave an in-depth interview about his time at Real Madrid, where he stated that the team at Juventus is the ‘best group’ he has ever played with.
“It isn’t right to name someone specific but I can say that this [Juventus] is the best group in which I’ve played. Here, we are a squad, elsewhere, some players feel bigger than the others.
“For me, it is beautiful, to feel that difference. Also at Madrid they are humble, but here I feel that sense more. It’s very different to Madrid, here it is more of a family.”
