Abu Dhabi: Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos is confident that Real Madrid’s lack of firepower with the exit of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo will not hamper their aspirations in the ongoing La Liga season.
“It is a long season ahead and Real Madrid will definitely be performing well. They have a new coach in Julen Lopetegui and the team is slowly settling into his scheme of things and tactics. It is very important to improve even though it is happening at a slow pace,” said Carlos, who is here in the capital to promote the Fifa Club World Cup — to be held for the second successive year here starting December 12.
“Real Madrid usually perform slowly but then pick up. It has happened every year and they will achieve what they want to, that is to be the champions,” asserted Carlos, who has won four La Liga titles along with fellow Galacticos like Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Raul.
Real Madrid has had a rough start to the 2018-19 La Liga season and they have gone winless in their last four matches. Though most fans are critical of Madrid board for letting their talismanic striker Ronaldo make the move to Juventus, Carlos begs to differ and is in no mood to come down hard on the management.
“It is a decision that the footballer takes. He was playing for Real Madrid and we want to thank him for what he did for the club. We can only wish him the best of luck with his career at Juventus. But yes, Cristiano is the best in the world and Cristiano is Cristiano,” said the former Inter Milan and Real Madrid defender.
With the crucial second half of the La Liga season lined up along with the task of defending the Champions League (yet again) and Club World Cup titles, the Madrid board will be under pressure to look for a suitable replacement for Ronaldo immediately.
- Roberto Carlos » Former Real Madrid defender
However, Carlos feels there is a good reason why Real had not rushed into making a big signing yet. “I would say Real has made some good contracts. We have a good organisation within the group. Zidane went out and Lopetegui came in. Real Madrid is like that they are always preparing their team. The President (Florentino Perez) won’t splurge money and get in a player just like that,” said Carlos.
“We have always set an example as the best team in the World. You need to see where a good player can fit in the team also. You cannot go and pick a player straightaway. The current lot is also good enough despite the absence of Cristiano,” said Carlos.
Looking ahead at the Club World Cup, Carlos said: “Club World Cup is of the same level of importance as winning the Champions League because it is another important title. The history of Real Madrid shows they are always hungry to win,” said Carlos, who has twice lifted the title with Real in 1998 and 2002 when it was called the Inter-continental Cup.
Carlos also urged all the participating teams, including hosts Al Ain, to put their best foot forward while participating in the continental club event. “It doesn’t matter which continent you are representing; the players have to give their best. Good football can always attract fans and that’s what one as a player should aim for. I have seen the passion for football in this part of the world, so the tournament is huge for Al Ain and the people of the region,” said the 45-year-old, who also took part in a promotional event at the Yas Mall later in the evening.
