Martínez considers bringing back Ndiaye amid the injury crisis

The victory of Real Madrid against San Pablo Burgos left a bittersweet taste in Pedro Martínez's mouth. The Madrid coach did not hide the difficulties his team is facing in a context of an exhausting schedule and recurring physical problems. Without brilliance but with effectiveness, the whites managed to pull off a match that reflected the reality of a squad hampered by injuries and exhausted by the accumulation of commitments in a short time.

The pressure of the relentless schedule

Martínez emphasized the dynamic his team is experiencing. "A game that cannot be explained without the dynamic we're having of many consecutive matches, with little preparation. We are having physical problems, and all that makes it very difficult for the players to be ready each day," the coach explained after the match. This accumulation of commitments, with hardly any time for specific training, has taken its toll on the physical condition of the available players.

The lack of time between matches not only affects sporting performance but also increases the risk of injuries. Real Madrid already has significant absences, with Maledon and Campazzo out of action. Despite these difficulties, Martínez positively valued that his team "managed to get the job done without great suffering." It wasn't a brilliant game, but the ability to compete under these circumstances is an achievement in itself.

Edy Tavares makes history in the Liga Endesa

Another protagonist of the day was Edy Tavares, who reached a historical milestone by becoming the all-time leading scorer in the Liga Endesa. Martínez acknowledged the value of the Cameroonian pivot but nuanced his perspective on the celebration of the record. "Tavares is a great player for what he brings to his team and how he conditions his rivals. He has a mentality of playing hard. I'm happy, like everyone else," he stated.

However, the coach did not overlook a certain discomfort regarding the timing of the celebration. "Another thing is whether I think it's appropriate to celebrate an individual success in the middle of a match. In that regard... I have my opinion," he said reflectively. Despite this observation, Martínez recognized the magnitude of the achievement: "It's a feat that's very hard to achieve, and it's difficult for someone to replicate it. He has more to accomplish and will set the bar very high." Tavares's journey towards this record reflects years of consistency and competition in the top Spanish league.

Opportunities for the understudies

The cascade of injuries has opened unexpected doors for players who typically did not get minutes. Shulga was one of the standout names in the match against Burgos, seizing his opportunity with a performance that satisfied Martínez. "Players have to wait for their moments and be ready when their team needs them. Now we need players who, before we had the injuries of Maledon or Campazzo, did not have the chance to get minutes that they will have now," the coach explained.

This forced rotation philosophy has a positive side: it allows lesser-known players to prove their worth. "Shulga played really well, and that's good for the team and good for him," Martínez concluded regarding the player’s performance. In times of crisis, these changes can prove crucial both for the present and for building the future of the squad.

Eli Ndiaye, Martínez's final bombshell

If the victory against Burgos was important, Martínez's final words were even more relevant. The coach discussed the possibility of reinforcing a squad weakened by injuries, although he made it clear that the process is complex. "It's not something that's my responsibility. There are other people in the club who are focused and working on this," he clarified, recognizing that hiring decisions do not solely depend on his technical judgment.

Martínez acknowledged that the market does not work like a catalog where you can simply choose what you need. "This isn't about going to the market and saying 'where is what we need' because it's waiting for us. It doesn't work that way, it's not that easy," he reflected realistically. However, the Madrid coach confirmed that the club is "analyzing what we can do" to improve the current situation.

The solution being considered by Real Madrid involves turning to its own assets. "We have some of our players on loan in the League, and I would like to explore the possibility of bringing one back," Martínez indicated, referring without naming explicitly to Eli Ndiaye, who currently plays for Asisa Joventut. The player underwent preseason training with the white team and is part of the Madrid youth system, potentially facilitating his reintegration.

A conditional signing without guarantees

Despite Martínez's intentions, the coach was cautious regarding the feasibility of the operation. "But it’s not something that’s going to happen for sure, nor is it within my power," he nuanced, acknowledging that there are administrative and sporting obstacles that can prevent Ndiaye's arrival. The player's current loan at Joventut involves complex negotiations and agreements between clubs that do not always succeed.

Still, Martínez made it clear his view on the player's profile: "He’s a kid who did preseason with us; he’s one of ours. We would like to bring him back." This characterization underscores that he is not an unknown but someone who has already worked with the Madrid coaching staff and understands the club's philosophy.

Martínez's final reflection showed pragmatism: "And if not, we’re not going to cry about it. We will try to move forward with the players we have." This statement highlights that, despite the challenges, Real Madrid maintains confidence in its current players and is prepared to compete with the available resources if the Ndiaye operation does not succeed.

The situation of the Madrid team reflects the challenges any squad faces during a long season: managing injuries, maintaining competitiveness with a tight schedule, and making smart decisions in the market. Martínez, with his experience, tries to navigate these turbulent waters seeking solutions that strengthen the squad without compromising the stability of the project.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Martínez estudia recuperar a Ndiaye ante la crisis de lesiones