Liga is tougher than CL thinks Macca

Steve McManaman said out loud what each of his team-mates silently thinks : Real has yet to capture consistent form in the Liga, while they sailed full speed to qualification in the Champions League.

The former Liverpool winger admitted the team felt the CL had been a nice distraction so far.

But he also said the players did not expect such problems on the home front, where Real has been extremely disappointing.

"I do not know what is going on in the Liga" Macca said. "Opponents seem to be stronger than they used to be last year. Malaga, Valencia or Betis are harder to play than Anderlecht".

He said that apparent ease in the Champions League did not mean they would clinch the trophy effortlessly.

"It's only the first phase. Next month with the start of the second phase, we'll be facing the big guns. Roll on, Man United or Bayern..."

McManaman eventually told the press he was impressed with Deportivo's win at Old Trafford.