MADRID - Real Madrid's Jose Antonio Reyes has taken a swipe
at coach Fabio Capello's defensive tactics and the way he uses
players outside their normal positions. The Spain winger, on loan
from Arsenal, said he was frustrated at his lack of opportunities
and, like Brazilian forward Robinho last week, went public with his
grievances.
'The team are disoriented because one day I play on the left, the
next on the right. But it doesn't only happen with me, it's the
same for my colleagues,' Reyes told radio Marca on Wednesday.
'Raul, Robinho and Guti all have to play in various positions but
we are professionals and have to accept it.' A 3-2 first-leg win
over Bayern Munich in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday eased
some of the pressure on Capello after a series of poor home
performances.
However, Reyes had to watch from the substitutes' bench. 'I warmed
up for 45 minutes but Capello didn't use me. I'm annoyed because I
didn't want to miss that game. I don't know what I have to do to
play (regularly),' Reyes said.
Although Real beat Bayern, the team have been criticised for
allowing their opponents back into the match after the break,
having stormed into a 3-1 lead in the first half.
Spanish media have been quick to blame Capello for sending his
players out for the second period simply to defend their lead.
Reyes appeared to back their assertions.
'We play defensively because that is the way the coach wants us to
play, to prevent the other team scoring. But you also have to score
because draws are not good enough,' said Reyes.
'If we defended a little less we would have more liberty in attack.
We are Real Madrid and should never go out to defend.'
