Real Madrid are 10 points clear of second-placed Barcelona with 10 games to play in Spain’s La Liga and the Catalan boss Josep Guardiola has now said it’s all but over, but is it or is this mind games?.
“I have the impression that we will not win La Liga, the point difference is very big, these games give us the opportunity to be the team we are, to play like we have,” Guardiola said after Barca knocked off Atletico Madrid 2-1, while Real got past Rayo Vallecano 1-0 thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s backheel.
Newspapers and football websites have made their own headlines with that comment, scripting it like a concession.
The reality is it wasn’t anything like that, rather a simple Guardiola comment on the situation.
Guardiola added: “We will continue competing in every match.” And you know they will.
If Real Madrid ever might’ve relaxed in the knowledge they are well clear, the Barca boss reiterated that they job is far from done, when moments earlier he almost said the opposite.
If it was an attempt at mind games, it was a poorly executed one. And we know Guardiola’s style and character, he isn’t one to bother with such games.
You know Jose Mourinho won’t let up and it is his determination to win the Spanish title. Ten points in 10 games is some margin to make up.
And it’s also a lot of points to drop. Particularly considering Real have played 24 games this league season, winning 21, drawing one and losing two.
Even if Barcelona win the second Clasico of the campaign, there’s still some seven points to make up. Can it happen? Sports Pundit thinks not.
Could injuries or suspensions disrupt Mourinho’s men. Perhaps only losing Cristiano Ronaldo could have such an impact. He has managed 29 goals this season.
However, Mourinho is a strong boss and any slip-up, wouldn’t be followed up by any mental fragility. As Guardiola says, Real Madrid will be Spanish champions.