Ahead of Real Madrid’s encounter with Athletic Bilbao this weekend, Jose Mourinho has demanded his side improve their discipline around the penalty area to avoid giving away dangerous set piece opportunities.
The Special One said the Spanish league leaders’ habit of conceding goals from free kicks is a worrying sign, adding that these mistakes could prove costly.
“The numbers speak for themselves,” he told reporters. “Since the start of 2012 we’ve conceded two set piece goals against Malaga, one against Mallorca and one to Barcelona. That’s too many.
“We’re aware of our mistakes and also of Athletic’s set-piece potential,” he added.
Mourinho said he expects a tough match at the Santiago Bernabeu against the sixth-placed side in La Liga, but reminded fans of the five-point gap in the standings his side hold over arch-rivals Barcelona.
“I can only promise we’ll be leaders when the game starts and also when it ends,” he said.
“I expect the match to be difficult, as they always are against Athletic. They have good players and they are an ambitious side, currently in the top tier of the table and looking to climb further. I expect a complicated encounter.”
Angel Di Maria and Sami Khedira are set to miss out on Sunday’s clash with injuries, while Nuri Sahin and Ricardo Carvalho have also been dropped.
（Goal.com）
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