Real Sociedad boss Imanol backs Real Madrid’s scheduling complaints | OneFootball

Real Sociedad head coach Imanol has moved to defend Real Madrid over their recent complaints regarding La Liga’s questionable schedule plans.

Real are fresh off securing victory in their final fixture heading into the international break, recovering from an early goal down to put Villarreal to the sword on Saturday.

This came less than 72 hours on from Los Blancos’ gruelling Madrid Derby 2nd leg clash in the Champions League in midweek.

Speaking to the media post-match on Saturday, Carlo Ancelotti revealed his bemusement with this schedule choice, making clear the club’s frustration with La Liga’s insistence on prioritising TV deals over the wellbeing of their players:

“This is the last time we play a game without 72 hours of rest. We will not show up and not play if it happens again. We asked La Liga to change the time of the game twice. But nothing.”

During his own exchange with the media on Sunday, the subject of Ancelotti’s comments was therefore put to Real Sociedad counterpart Imanol.

And the tactician made use of the opportunity to empathise with the reigning Spanish champions:

“Real Madrid’s complain about the schedule? They’re not wrong. We are the two teams who played the most matches with the least rest.”

Conor Laird – GSFN