McManaman hits back at Di Stefano 'coward' jibe

Real Madrid midfielder Steve McManaman has dismissed Alfredo di Stefano's accusation that it was his "cowardly" defending that allowed Bayern Munich to score their second goal in Wednesday's Champions' League semi-finals.

''It is the same story as always, when we win there is no problem, but when we lose everyone criticises us," McManaman said. "I can accept all kind of criticism, but sometimes it is very easy to speak without thinking about what you say."

Real legend Di Stefano blamed McManaman for the goal in a TV interview, saying that it was because he turned his back on the ball that Jens Jeremies was able to squeeze his shot inside Iker Casillas' right-hand post.

''He is a coward," Di Stefano blasted. "In an action like that, you can't turn around, you cannot lose sight of the ball. Then the ball escaped from the goalkeeper.''

The goal put Bayern 3-1 up, and effectively ended Real's hopes of clawing back the deficit.

''I was covering Thomas Linke and watching his movements," McManaman explained. "When they took the free-kick, I looked and saw Jeremies who was on his own at the edge of the area.

''I reacted and went to close him down, but I got there a bit late and I could not charge the shot down. Fear? I have never been scared on the pitch, neither myself or any of my team-mates. That word does not exist in this dressing room.''