Marc Cucurella responds to Real Madrid’s shock La Liga running statistics: ‘That surprises me because…’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s physical numbers have come under scrutiny after data showed Jose Mourinho’s side covers less ground than any other team in La Liga, but Marc Cucurella has questioned how much those statistics actually reveal.

Madrid are averaging 104.3 kilometres per match this season, the lowest figure among the division’s 20 teams. 

The statistic has attracted increased attention following defeats to Real Betis and Atletico Madrid.

Cucurella, speaking to El Larguero, admitted the numbers surprised him because his experience does not match the perception created by the data.

Cucurella questions Real Madrid running statistics

The Real Madrid defender was directly asked about the team’s position at the bottom of La Liga’s distance rankings.

His initial reaction was one of surprise, before he pointed towards the amount of running he believes the players are actually doing during matches.

Cucurella is quite astonished by the data. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)

“We’re the team that runs the least in La Liga?

“That surprises me, because we actually run a lot. Maybe those stats are talked about now because we lost the derby and we lost to Betis.

“If we had won every game, nobody would be talking about that.“

The understanding of the stats is quite important because total distance measures every movement made during a match, including walking, jogging, recovery runs and higher-intensity actions.

That means the figure alone does not necessarily indicate how hard a team is working or how effectively it is using its physical output.

Real Madrid still need to address the numbers

Cucurella did not dismiss the statistics altogether, though. Instead, he suggested Real Madrid may have to respond to them through their performances.

After two defeats, Cucurella admits Real Madrid need to improve. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

The defender acknowledged that there could be room for improvement, particularly after the defeats that have brought greater attention to the team’s physical profile.

“But in the end, the stats are there, so we have to improve them, or we have to win every game so these stats aren’t as talked about.

“Maybe we have to give a bit more effort and improve things a bit,” he concluded.

As put by the defender, Real Madrid’s low distance figures are indeed surprising, but their relevance becomes greater when the team is also dropping points.

Mourinho’s side are not necessarily being accused of simply refusing to run; rather, the data raises questions about the volume and intensity of their work compared with the rest of La Liga.