The two-time Champions League winner says the Portuguese needs to be more careful when speaking to the press and should take a lead from coach Zinedine Zidane
Eric Abidal has criticised Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo for giving a cutting analysis of his team-mates following Saturday’s 1-0 derby loss to Atletico.
The Portuguese hit out at his fellow Madrid stars and put into question their quality after a defeat that effectively ended the Bernabeu side’s chances of winning La Liga - an action he has since apologised for. With 12 games to play, they are 12 points behind leaders Barcelona.
“Sometimes you don’t say what you think to the press after the game,” Abidal, who twice won the Champions League with the Catalans, told BeIn Sports’ ‘El Club’.
Meanwhile, the former France international left-back praised the words of Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane in the aftermath of the derby.
“When he said that the league was over, it took the pressure from his players,” Abidal explained. “His speech in the press room after losing the match was very good for his squad.
“The problem, beyond the defeat, is the gap to Barcelona. Zidane is a winner; he wants to win and it’s something he wants to teach the players. Inside, it will hurt him that the players were poor in the derby, and their attitude on the field will hurt.”
Nevertheless, Abidal feels that Madrid must get back on track quickly: “If a win comes next, everything is forgotten and life will go on.”
Zidane will lead his side against Levante on Tuesday as they aim to get back to winning ways.
- Goal