Salgado: We Must React Now

Following their disgraceful exit from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Real Unión, Real Madrid rightback, Míchel Salgado has issued a challenge to his teammates to respond to the crisis now before it gets any worse.

Real Madrid’s campaign had been spiralling into a freefall over the past month having picked up just three wins in the eight games throughout October and the start of November.

They managed to add a fourth victory last night against Real Unión but it was nothing more than a hollow triumph as the 4-3 scoreline was not enough to see them through to the next round due to the away goal rule.

It didn’t take long for the Spanish papers to bring out their knives and dangle the word ‘crisis’ at the club but one of the team’s experienced campaigners, Míchel Salgado believes that it is not too late yet for Los Merengues to respond.

“We have to be realistic and acknowledge that things are not going well for us right now,” he told reporters after the game.

“But we must react now because we have not yet hit rock bottom. We have to tell ourselves that we are still involved in two competitions, although they won’t be easy either,” assured Salgado.

But the 33 year old also offered a grim side to the situation, especially for coach, Bernd Schuster: “We are aware that we do not have any more margin for errors.

“Schuster is in a difficult situation because this is the first time in two years that he is faced with such an uncomfortable complication."

“But he must be prepared because everyone who comes to Real Madrid must be ready to face this type of situation.”

Finally, Salgado offered his explanation on why the team continue to struggle in the Copa del Rey.

“There is no justification for our elimination. But the reason why we keep doing so poorly in this competition is because there is a lack of pressure for us to perform."

“The Copa will always be treated with less importance until at least we reach the semi final stage,” he concluded.