Spain

Real Madrid Cannot Risk Youth Players Against Alcorcon - Manuel Pellegrini

Real Madrid are set to play a strong team against Alcorcon in the Copa del Rey...

Oct 27, 2009 12:59:38 PM

Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini has every reason to be smiling as the spending spree continues in the Spanish capital

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Manuel Pellegrini

Manuel Pellegrini has stated that he chose to name only first team regulars for the Copa del Rey encounter against Alcorcon on Tuesday because he wants the team to continue to gel.

The Real Madrid coach has only called upon the services of 'keeper Antonio Adan from the club's B team, but he feels that only by playing regularly will his first choice stars learn to play together.

Last season Madrid were embarrassed by lower league opposition when Real Union defeated them at the same stage of the competition and Pellegrini does not want a repeat of that setback.

"We cannot let our guard down. If I didn't call up academy players it is because I want the most gelled squad possible," he told reporters.

"We need to fulfil our objectives, which right now are the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

"Real Madrid's goal is to win every competition. It is important to at least make an effort. We also have the league and Champions League to play for, but that isn't a reason to let the Copa fall by the wayside.

"It will be a more attractive competition the longer it wears on. But our first goal is to qualify for the Last 16.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com