Girona coach Michel Sanchez took responsibility for his side's 4-0 drubbing at the Santiago Bernabeu, asked that there be no criticism of his players, and defended that "it is not a painful defeat" but "a learning experience" for a team whose objective was never to fight for the title.
"It's not a painful defeat, it's a learning experience to put us in our place. Our rival is not Real Madrid, we are not really at that level. We're in a dream and we're still in it," he told a press conference.
"We needed a bad version of Madrid and a good one from us. It was more their merit than demerit on our part. I have nothing to reproach my players for. They gave everything, but they were far superior in duels. The performances of Vinicius, Camavinga and Bellingham make you realise the reality when you face a team of such a high level," he added.
For Michel, the second defeat in La Liga, against the same opponent, does not tarnish the campaign they are having. "We are having an incredible season and we have to recognise that this is not our race. We have very young players at a very high level, but we are one or two steps away from the level that Real Madrid demand".
"We knew that competing for La Liga title at the Bernabeu was not our objective. We wanted to play a good game and fight Real Madrid toe-to-toe. We didn't get it and the maximum responsibility is mine because I asked for high pressure. I exposed the players because it was the right time. Let there be no criticism of them, the maximum responsibility is mine. We had nothing to lose, a lot to win and we are in a privileged situation", he said.
"Our race is against Athletic, Betis, Valencia. We can't be in Real Madrid's race. We are points ahead of Barcelona and Atletico, but
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