What the Real Madrid players had to say after the 3-0 loss to FC Barcelona in El Clásico

Real Madrid was far from their best come the second half against FC Barcelona, but no one is more disappointed in the result than the players. Here are some notable comments made by the players in the press mixer and through social media following the 3-0 loss.

Sergio Ramos

Following the game Captain Sergio Ramos had this to say:

"“Madrid put in a great first-half performance against terrific opposition in Barcelona. We controlled things and had the chances to take the lead, but it wasn’t meant to be. In the second half perhaps our fatigue meant that we didn’t come out with the same tempo, our performance levels dropped off a bit and when we went down to 10 men it told”.“Our badge and the club’s history mean that it’s our duty to fight right on until the end, it’s not impossible and that’s why Madrid must keep on battling away. The LaLiga title will be tough, but we’ll try and make up some ground and fight to win the title”."

Ramos on the starting of Kovacic and losing Carvajal:

“It was a risk worth taking with Mateo and given the length of time he’s been sidelined through injury, he was impeccable. In the second half, I think we all struggled. After losing Carvajal we had to change the system around because going a man down in a game such as this can really mess things up”.

Marcelo

"“We played well in the first half and had our chances, but in the second half it was a different story. We’ve lost the game, it’s a sorry afternoon but we’ve got to keep going. It’ll be tough for us to win LaLiga with the points gap, but Real Madrid never give up. We have to continue doing our job, hope to get some luck and work hard”.“It wasn’t an easy game and when we conceded we continued to give our all to put in a good performance. We tried to keep on playing as we did in the first half, but when we went a man down, our performance levels tailed off. We have to keep our heads up. This is the way things go in football”."

Marcelo backing Zidane and his decisions:

“I’ll back Zidane to the hilt and there can be no question marks about him. People forget what he has won with Madrid and what he may go on to do in the future. He’s an extremely good coach”.

Raphael Varane

"“When we were at our best, during our best spells, we failed to score and when they were on top they did so, that’s what made the difference. We’re going into 2018 in more difficult circumstances but we’re Real Madrid and we’ll keep fighting and not throw the towel in, and stick together more than ever because this is when we need it most”."

Isco Attacked

Following the conclusion of the match, media outlet AS posted on Twitter that “Isco refused to continue warming up when Nacho went on.”

Isco was having none of it and replied “stop putting this s**t out. My other two teammates were about to leave. I didn’t know that you could make four changes.”

Round two of the Isco attack ensued when a fan had claimed that he had seen Isco at a club in Madrid at 3 AM, the tweet has since been deleted by the user.

Again Isco made sure to shut down the rumors instantly saying: “Impossible because we were in Valdebebas… There must be many Iscos out there.”

Social Media

Toni Kroos took to social media making mention of the Clásico defeat but to also wish all supporters a Merry Christmas.

Marcelo used twitter to share with his supporters that this will not be the end for Madrid, expressing that the loss was not easy but Real will not be giving up anytime soon.

Translation:

Today was a hard day!

But we’re never going to give up!

I have been here many years giving my all and I will keep doing that!

They attack us for things that are not true! 

Either they don’t comprehend or they don’t want too: my commentary was explicitly for the press, and not towards our fans. #M12

Sergio Ramos‘ message was short and meaningful. “Hit but not sunk.”

My Thoughts

The players and fans have suffered a huge blow to their La Liga campaign as they were unable to pick up the three points against Barcelona, but the resiliency and vigor of the players was simply class.

From the Captain to all the players, each one responded with respect and humility, showing that despite the loss, they truly are bound together through the good and bad times. Marcelo’s comment on sticking by coach Zinadene Zidane dispells any negativity by fans, that Zidane should be sacked. Many players made mention of the fact that 2017 was one of Real Madrid’s most successful calendar year and that there are still rays of sunlight to warm up this cold day.

Real Madrid will certainly come back with a bang come the New Year, but for now, they rest. With everything to win and nothing to lose, I wouldn’t put my money anywhere but on Real Madrid.

Next: Real Madrid 0 – 3 FC Barcelona: Player ratings from the loss

Stay tuned to The Real Champs for more Real Madrid coverage and analysis!