Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari talked to the press ahead of the team’s home game against Rayo Vallecano, which will be played this Saturday. The highlight of his press conference was Isco Alarcon after the player was visibly frustrated with the whistles from the fans when he missed a chance during the match against CSKA.
“I think he was contesting a corner or a foul. He’s a mature, professional guy who has brought much joy to this club and we’re sure he’ll continue to do so. He works hard every day to give it his all, and a coach’s hardest job is to choose who is going to play and who will be on the bench. They’re all great players who have done great things. I heard applause the other day as well. The fans express themselves and the team must go in search of their support. We need it, it’s what we want. Throughout the history of this club, everything we’ve achieved has come through unity with the fans. We hope they’ll help us and show their support tomorrow,” said Solari.
TV footage caught Isco very upset and possibly saying “What do you want?!” when the fans whistled. However, some other videos suggest that he could have been arguing with UEFA’s baseline referee and asking for a corner-kick.
Solari walked away from an interview after the Champions League game. The reported asked him about Keylor Navas twice and the coach didn’t want to explain why he started Courtois in such a meaningless game.
“[Navas] has my utmost respect and admiration as a footballer and as a person. He’s brought so much joy to madridismo and choosing the line-up is the worst part of being a coach, but it’s my job,” explained Solari.
This will be Real Madrid’s last home game of 2018 as Los Blancos will be playing in the FIFA Club World Cup in two weeks time.