MADRID (AP) – Cristiano Ronaldo says Real Madrid could be leading the Spanish league if everyone on the team was at his level.
After a 1-0 home loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday virtually ended the team’s chances of winning the title, Ronaldo criticized Spanish media for blaming him for the team’s poor performances and said that “if everyone was at my level, perhaps we would be in first place.”
The Portuguese striker later tried to downplay his comments, saying he was referring to his “physical level.”
Ronaldo said the absence of several injured starters is what has kept Real Madrid from contending in a long competition such as the Spanish league. He said the team will keep fighting in the league, but the focus will be on the Champions League.