Makelele tells Real Madrid to stop blaming referees after derby defeat

Real Madrid’s problems run deeper than the refereeing decisions that angered the club’s players and supporters, according to former midfielder Claude Makelele.

The comments came after Real Madrid were beaten 2-1 by Atletico de Madrid in the capital derby, a result that intensified criticism of the team and manager Jose Mourinho.

Makelele, a former Real Madrid player, said the club should not allow its frustration with the officials to distract from weaknesses in its own performance. The Frenchman’s comments were reported by AS.

“Do not look for the referees to make them scapegoats,” Makelele said. “There is no understanding between the players, and there is no understanding between the players and the coach. Mourinho needs to speak to them.”

The former midfielder also questioned the team’s organisation and approach, arguing that Real Madrid were failing to show a clear plan on the pitch.

“The team is weak, there is no playing system, there is nothing at all,” he said. “Nothing, nothing, nothing. We have to demand more from them.”

Makelele said the difficulties could not be explained by one refereeing decision, or by the collection of incidents that had occurred during the derby. In his view, the main concern was what Real Madrid produced during the match and their inability to impose a clear style of play.

He called for greater focus on the team’s performance rather than continued attention on the referee.

“The problem is not the referee,” Makelele said. “There are clear shortcomings in the team, and there are no clear ideas or plans on the pitch.”

The criticism comes as Real Madrid enter the international break following their defeat by Atletico de Madrid. Pressure on the club’s performances under Mourinho has increased, while Barcelona lead the way, six points ahead of Real Madrid.