Former Real Madrid midfielder Claude Makelele has criticised manager Jose Mourinho following the club’s 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in Sunday’s Madrid derby.
Makelele said Real Madrid lacked cohesion and a clear tactical plan during the encounter, arguing that the team’s problems went beyond the refereeing decisions that dominated Mourinho’s post-match reaction.
The former France international said there was insufficient understanding between the players and the coaching staff and urged Mourinho to demand more from his squad.
Mourinho had criticised the officiating after the defeat, highlighting two first-half challenges involving Cristian Romero and Lee Kang-in that he believed warranted red cards. Real Madrid were later reduced to 10 men following Dean Huijsen’s dismissal.
“There is no understanding. Neither between the players nor with the coach. Mourinho must talk to them.” Makelele said.
“The team is weak, there is no game plan and no clear ideas. There is nothing. Nothing, nothing, nothing… Absolutely nothing. We must demand more from them.
“The problem is not the referee, there is an obvious deficiency in the team.”
Atletico capitalised on the numerical advantage to secure the victory, while Antonio Rudiger scored a late consolation for Real Madrid.
Makelele, however, maintained that the team’s performance reflected deeper tactical deficiencies and called for greater organisation and clearer ideas on the pitch.
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