Synopsis
Ahead of Girona's La Liga clash with Real Madrid, coach Michel Sanchez chooses to disregard referee controversies and concentrate on his team's performance, highlighting the need to focus on key players rather than officiating.Key Takeaways
- Girona's coach emphasizes focus on the game, not referees.
- Real Madrid faces scrutiny after recent officiating controversies.
- Key players like Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Vinicius pose threats.
- Changes expected in Real's lineup with Bellingham suspended.
- Michels calls for a focus shift from referees to match performance.
Madrid, Feb 22 (NationPress) Girona's coach Michel Sanchez emphasizes that his attention will not be on the referees prior to his team's La Liga encounter against Real Madrid this Sunday. The atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is expected to be tense, especially towards referee Cuadra Fernandez, following Real Madrid's recent 1-1 draw against Osasuna.
In that match, referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero awarded a clear penalty against Madrid and issued a red card to Jude Bellingham for inappropriate language. Bellingham is now serving a two-match suspension, and Real Madrid's grievances regarding officiating decisions have become increasingly vocal, according to reports from Xinhua.
After facing online abuse and threats, Munuera Montero was compelled to deactivate his social media accounts. Additionally, his other business interests were scrutinized, though the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) concluded that there was no conflict of interest in his role as a referee.
Despite the mounting pressure on Cuadra Fernandez, Michel prefers to concentrate on Real Madrid's offensive capabilities rather than the officiating. He stated, “I’m concerned about Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Vinicius,” reflecting on his squad's recent defeats in Bilbao and at home against Getafe.
“We need to divert our focus from the referees, as there will always be controversies and errors, both in our favor and against us. However, it is challenging to be a referee,” Michel added.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to adjust the lineup that triumphed over Manchester City in the Champions League, with Brahim Diaz stepping in for the suspended Bellingham. Lucas Vazquez is set to return at right back after injury, and David Alaba might also participate following his recovery from a groin strain.
