Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari has called for unity as the club look to bounce back from a humbling Champions League loss in their final LaLiga game of the year.
Madrid face local rivals Rayo Vallecano at home on Saturday before heading to the United Arab Emirates for the FIFA Club World Cup.
But they approach the match with recriminations still coming from Wednesday’s 3-0 home defeat to CSKA Moscow, which saw a number of fans turn on the players and boo them off the pitch.
Solari: "Throughout the history of this club, everything we've achieved has come through unity with the fans. We hope they'll help us and show their support tomorrow." #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/PJXAFIiw7b — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 14, 2018
Solari called on those fans to get behind the club as they look to close a five-point gap to leaders Barcelona.
“I also heard applause the other day,” he said. “The fans are expressive and we respect that, but we also seek the support of the fans.
“All the club’s success has been achieved thanks to unity. We hope this weekend can push us on towards (the Club World Cup).”
Isco was one player put under the spotlight on Wednesday, with the midfielder appearing to respond to the crowd’s whistles.
FT: @realmadrid 0-3 @PFCCSKA_en ⚽ Chalov 37', Schennikov 43', Sigurdsson 73'#RMUCL pic.twitter.com/buQwZygm4i — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 12, 2018
Solari played down the incident and praised the 26-year-old’s attitude.
“He gave me the impression that he was protesting a corner or a foul,” Solari said. “He is a mature man, a professional. He has given a lot of joy to this club and will continue to do so.”
Real Madrid topped Group G despite the loss, and Solari was quick to highlight the overall success the reigning European champions have had since he took over from Julen Lopetegui.
“We have won eight out of 10 games,” he said.
Here we stand… How will it look for your team by Monday in #LaLigaSantander? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/xR9bUt6oP4 — LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) December 14, 2018
Rayo sit second bottom in LaLiga and could be forgiven for not relishing a trip across town to the Bernabeu.
But coach Michel told his players to see the match as an opportunity and not something to fear.
“We look to the game thinking of a good match and the feeling of doing good things, getting something positive,” he said.
“Every game for us is an opportunity to go out there and add to our points. We do not throw a game away.
“We have tried to find their weaknesses but we know this is a game of maximum difficulty and we have to be prepared to suffer without the ball and have our moments with the ball.”
Madrid’s Gareth Bale was injured in the defeat to CSKA Moscow after coming on as a half-time substitute, with the Wales star suffering an ankle problem.
Solari said it was too soon to know if the 29-year-old would be able to play this weekend.
“It is not a question of rest,” he said. “It is his ankle. We will take a look at the evaluation and speak with him.”
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