Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui hails heroic Keylor Navas after win over Girona
By Ben Sundock
Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui is now two for two in La Liga after guiding his side to a resounding 4-1 victory over Girona on Sunday. Here is what the boss had to say after his team’s first away victory of the 2018/2019 campaign.
All quotes come via the Real Madrid official website.
"“I want to highlight our mentality, because things got off to a tough start, with our opponents playing really well,” Lopetegui said as he began his press conference Sunday night. “They went ahead and could have scored a second, but the players showed character to regain a foothold. I have to highlight the mental strength to overcome adversity because every game is completely different and that’ll continue to be the case.”"
The Spanish boss is right to do point this immediately because he is spot on here. His players were on the brink of going down 2-0 to the side that managed to beat them in the same venue a year ago.
But, a goal-line clearance from Dani Carvajal and the persistence from the forwards was phenomenal all the way to the final whistle. The team showed this weekend that they are still very much in the running for the league title despite many members of the media believing they have no shot without Cristiano Ronaldo.
Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema were not the only two players who really stood out in the Estadi Montilivi. Keylor Navas had himself a fantastic night as he overcame the early goal from Borja Garcia and managed to make four saves.
Lopetegui was quick to recognize Keylor in his remarks.
"“I’ve got some really good options in goal and there are no problems in that area. We’ll decide what’s best for each game. Keylor got the nod today and did very well. There’s great competition and that makes us stronger in the goalkeeping department.”"
Girona continued to try and get behind the Real Madrid attack despite the visitors dominating possession throughout. Navas was forced to make some really tough point-blank saves in the second half and once again proved to the world that he will not be moved to the bench quietly.
While I am excited to see Thibaut Courtois make his first start in net for Los Blancos, I have complete faith in Navas to do a great job when he is called upon. Former manager Zinedine Zidane loved the Costa Rican’s style of play and it seems Julen Loeptegui feels the same.
When asked why midfielder Luka Modric and World Cup winner Raphael Varane were left out of the starting XI, Lopetegui gave an appropriate response, saying, “They came back into the fold slightly later on and we have alternatives, other players competing. That’s always important.”
dark. Next. Three takeaways from Real Madrid’s 4-1 win vs. Girona
I have been somewhat puzzled by the gaffer leaving these two stars who played in the final of the World Cup out, but it makes sense early in the season. Come October, expect to see both of these guys starting regularly again.
Real Madrid will now have plenty of time to recuperate and prepare for their next league match on Saturday against city rivals, Leganes. The friendly confines of the Santiago Bernabéu should only bolster the spirits of the players as they face a side who is yet to win one of their first two matches -a draw and a loss.
Don’t be surprised if you see Julen Lopetegui tinkering with the lineup again in this match as he learns how to properly use the players at his disposal.