Real Madrid defender, Marc Cucurella, has rejected suggestions that the Spanish giants are lacking effort after statistics showed they have covered the least distance in La Liga this season.
The criticism intensified following Madrid’s recent defeats to Atletico Madrid and Real Betis, with questions raised over the team’s physical output and work rate.
However, speaking while on international duty with Spain, Cucurella dismissed the concerns, arguing that the scrutiny surrounding Madrid’s running statistics was largely influenced by their recent results.
The defender insisted that Madrid’s players were giving their all on the pitch and said the figures would not have generated the same attention if the team had continued winning.
“The truth is it surprised me, because if it was about having long spells of possession, I could maybe say no, but running… I think we run a lot,” Cucurella explained.
“If we had won every game, there would be no talk about us running too little. They would say we run very little, but are very effective, or some other headline.”
Despite defending the team’s work rate, Cucurella acknowledged that the statistics could still be useful in identifying areas that need improvement.
“In the end, the data is there,” the Spanish international conceded. “The data is also useful for improving, for working on things, and knowing that perhaps we need to give a little more or finish improving things.”
Madrid will now look to return to winning ways when domestic football resumes after the international break, with Cucurella also set to continue his duties with Spain.
