Players to blame for disaster at Real Madrid, not coach: Casemiro

BARCELONA: Real Madrid’s players should take the bulk of responsibility for the team’s “disaster” of a season, not under-fire coach Julen Lopetegui, midfielder Casemiro said after the European champions hit a new low with Sunday’s humiliating 5-1 loss at Barcelona.

“We aren’t playing well and we can’t blame the coach as the players are the ones who have to perform on the pitch,” the Brazilian said following a third consecutive league defeat for Real which looks set to see Lopetegui sacked.

“This result is a reflection of our entire season which has been a disaster. It’s not about tactics or attitude, it’s everything. The players have to run more and fight more,” Casemiro added.

CONTE LINED UP

Spanish radio station Onda Cero and newspaper Marca reported after the game that former Chelsea, Juventus and Italy coach Antonio Conte is being lined up to replace Lopetegui, who could be sacked soon.

Lopetegui cut a downbeat figure after the game while saying he still believed he and his players could turn their terrible season around. “I feel sad and so do the players, it’s a very tough blow but I still feel strong, we’re only in October,” said Lopetegui.

Earlier this year, Lopetegui was fired as Spain coach on the eve of the World Cup for negotiating his move to Real behind the federation’s back. “Everything can be reversed in the time we have left in the season and because of the confidence I have in the team. The team still has life for the rest of the season.”