Jorge Valdano: “I am more concerned about Odegaard’s mentality — he lacked patience”

Jorge Valdano, the philosophical and eloquent former Real Madrid player, coach, and sporting director, spoke to Spanish radio program Onda Cero regarding his thoughts on Martin Odegaard’s imminent departure from Real Madrid. Valdano confessed that he doesn’t understand the Norwegian’s departure.

“The quality that Odegaard possess is necessary for this Real Madrid team,” Valdano explained. “I don’t think that Odegaard played badly. Perhaps he was a bit conservative when it came to him, maybe he lacked some more daring actions, but he also lacked patience to continue at Real Madrid. In the end he competes with two stars like Modric and Kroos.”

“I am more concerned about his mentality,” Valdano continued. “It is not worthy of a Real Madrid player to leave your place, not have that patience. It’s not just any player ahead of him. I am surprised that he would leave the club and leave his spot open for others,” he concluded.

Discussion quickly shifted to Zidane’s position after the humiliating loss to Alcoyano in the Copa Del Rey. “I would never question a coach like Zidane,” Valdano affirmed. “It’s not a good sign to kick a coach out in the middle of the season. You have to save the image of the club”.

“The Alcoyano game was a blow, a humiliation, but falling in the Cup was never a trauma for Real Madrid.”

Since the humiliating loss to Alcoyano, Zidane has remained in his position and will likely be judged on the remainder of the season with big matches to come in both La Liga and the Champions League. Meanwhile, for Martin Odegaard, he is off to Arsenal for a six month loan deal. It is unclear whether he still has a future as a Real Madrid player, but both clubs are expected to meet at the end of the season to discuss both Real Madrid loanee’s, Odegaard and Ceballos.