Valladolid coach hails Real Madrid as the ‘best team in the world’ ahead of La Liga clash | OneFootball

After a disappointing start to the campaign, Real Madrid will be aiming to turn things around as they take on Real Valladolid in their second match of the new La Liga campaign.

The defending champions are coming on the back of a 1-1 draw against Mallorca in the first game, but nothing less than three points will be acceptable at Santiago Bernabeu this weekend.

Heading into this clash, Real Valladolid coach heaped praise on Real Madrid while talking about the team’s chances against the reigning European champions.

Paulo Pezzolano on the Real Madrid game

Real Valladolid coach Paulo Pezzolano was very frank when asked about the quality of Real Madrid. “Real Madrid is the best team in the world,” he proclaimed.

Pezzolano went on to talk about Real Valladolid’s chances of causing a surprise this weekend by garnering at least a point against Los Blancos.

“It’s difficult because this game has nothing to do with the past. They have players of great quality and we have to know how to repeat our plan, know how to run and not make mistakes,” he said.

Formerly of Cruzeiro, Pezzolano took charge of Valladolid in 2023. But interestingly, he has never faced Real Madrid during his managerial career.

“If they beat you because of their advantage, that can happen, but you have to avoid making mistakes to be able to compete.

“We have to try to play our game, knowing that with the ball there are many ways to hurt you and that without the ball we have to know how to position ourselves well and manage the timing,” Pezzolano said.

Paulo Pezzolano hails Real Madrid as the best team in the world (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“If we do it right, they also have their shortcomings and we can hurt them,” he added.

Pezzolano on team preparation, team news

Pezzolano stressed the need to improve Valladolid’s game, in order to minimise the chances given to the opposition.

“We are talking about things we have to improve and other things we have to continue doing. Real Madrid are a very special rival. They are the best in the world, they have some of the best players in the world and one of the best coaches,” he said.

“Without a doubt, it will be a very difficult match, even more so at their own stadium. We have to do our best, compete and achieve something. We have to give 100%, know how to play the game and know how to suffer to get what we want,” he added.

Finally, Pezzolano provided an update on the availability of Mario Martin and Juanmi Latasa, two Real Madrid youth players who have joined the ranks at Valladolid this summer.

Unfortunately, though, the Spanish outfit are yet to register any of them, meaning it is unsure whether or not they will face Real Madrid this weekend.

Pezzolano, though, sounded hopeful, stating, “We are waiting to see if we have a chance. The club is doing everything possible to register them and we will try to count on them until the last moment.”

“Many teams suffer from these [salary cap issues] and they do everything possible to have them all on the pitch,” he concluded.

Source: MARCA