Makelele says Real Madrid’s problems run deeper than refereeing after derby defeat

Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat by Atletico Madrid exposed serious problems within the team that cannot be blamed on the referee, according to former midfielder Claude Makelele.

The result left Real Madrid six points behind Barcelona in the race for the La Liga title, while manager Jose Mourinho focused on the officials in his post-match comments.

Makelele, however, believes the central issue is the lack of understanding between the players and their manager, as well as the absence of a clear tactical plan on the pitch.

“​​There is no understanding between the players, and there is no understanding between the players and the manager. Mourinho needs to speak to them,” the former Real Madrid player told ESPN, in comments reported by French website Foot Mercato.

Makelele also delivered a blunt assessment of the team’s performances.

“The team is weak and there is no game plan, absolutely nothing. Nothing, nothing, nothing… We have to demand more from them,” he said.

The comments come as criticism of Real Madrid intensifies following the defeat by Atletico Madrid in the capital derby.

With Barcelona now six points clear of them in La Liga, Makelele’s assessment places the focus on the team’s internal coordination and tactical approach rather than the refereeing decisions Mourinho questioned after the match.