Rayo coach names Real Madrid’s biggest threat — and chooses Mourinho

Beñat San José was asked which Real Madrid player he would remove from Saturday’s match at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Rayo Vallecano coach ignored the long list of stars available to his opponent and picked José Mourinho instead, describing the Portuguese as one of the finest managers in football history.

THE COACH AHEAD OF THE PLAYERS

The question appeared to invite the name of an elite forward, midfielder or goalkeeper. San José took a different route.

“I would remove Mourinho. He is one of the best coaches in football history,” the Rayo manager replied.

San José also acknowledged that Madrid possess one of the game’s greatest goalkeepers and one of its greatest strikers. Even so, the person he would most like to take out of the equation is standing in the technical area.

It was a significant compliment to Mourinho. His latest Real Madrid project is still developing, but opposing coaches are already paying close attention to the tactical adjustments he makes during matches, not only to the individual quality at his disposal.

RAYO WILL KEEP THEIR IDENTITY

San José insisted that Rayo intend to compete at the Bernabéu without abandoning their usual approach. His team have focused primarily on improving their own game before studying the specific problems posed by Madrid.

The coach mentioned Madrid’s tendency to move Yan Diomande into a wider position during second halves. He expects periods in which Rayo will have to defend under pressure, but also believes the visitors can create opportunities of their own.

San José refused to judge the whistles heard at the Bernabéu during Madrid’s match against Inter. He instead described it as an intense, high-quality contest in which both sides could have scored more goals.

LIMITED OPTIONS FOR THE VISITORS

Rayo will travel across Madrid with several important absences. Jorge de Frutos and Fran Pérez are suspended, leaving San José without his regular options on the right wing. Lassina Traoré Nteka has suffered a muscular problem, Ivan Balliu is trying to overcome an ankle injury and Isi Palazón remains in rehabilitation.

The Rayo coach admitted that his squad is severely depleted. He nevertheless wants the most complete version of his team to appear at the Bernabéu and has made it clear that the visitors will not treat the game as a lost cause.

Real Madrid remain strong favourites, but Mourinho will expect concentration rather than complacency. San José’s answer showed how highly the Portuguese is regarded by the opposition: given the chance to remove one Madrid threat, he chose the man responsible for organising all the others.