Real Madrid playmaker Isco, who has been linked with a switch to Everton, was the subject of immense criticism following a 4-1 thrashing of Los Merengues at the hands of Valencia.
Former Watford manager Javi Gracia has the last laugh in a comfortable routing of the current Spanish champions, and one ex-Bernabeu marksman was disgruntled as a result.
Speaking to the Carrusel Deportivo podcast, Montenegrin centre-forward Predrag Mijatovic led the charge in slamming his former club.
“The players have to correct the coaches,” raged Mijatovic as he blamed tactical blunders and coaching issues for Real Madrid’s form.
“If you don’t put me in a position where I can contribute something positive to my team, I’d rather you play a teammate (instead).
“The players know what physical condition they are in and what they can give in each position. Isco may not have been very sincere with himself, but in these conditions you have to tell the coach: ‘I want to play, but in this position I do not contribute anything”.
Isco has managed an impressive record of 51 goals and 54 assists and earned four Champions League winner’s medals since joining Real Madrid in 2013, but he failed to exhibit his best attributes in the dressing-down from Valencia.
Read Everton Verdict
Managing Madrid offered arguably the most withering assessment of the ‘4 [out of 10]’ performance, simply summing up Isco by stating “Did he even play? Apparently he did for 82 mins.” Scathing is an understatement.
This performance does not bode well for the playmaker, although that could be precisely why a loan move may be viable. A new league, new tactics, new teammates, a new tactician – perhaps a combination of all of these factors is key to rejuvenating Isco’s good form.
Also, having previously worked under Carlo Ancelotti, the Everton boss may be the man to spark a rejuvenation from the seemingly off-colour 28-year-old.
