BARCELONA defender Jordi Alba has admitted that he always hopes Real Madrid lose, but was quick to stress that winning their own games should be the Catalans’ main concern if they are to overtake their rivals in the Liga table.
The Camp Nou side are currently training Carlo Ancelotti’s men by one point, while the Santiago Bernabeu side have a game in hand over both Barca and reigning champions Atletico Madrid.
“As a Barcelona man, I always want Real Madrid to lose,” Alba was quoted as saying by Marca.
“But I prefer to focus on Barcelona, which is what matters the most. We need to win all of our games if we want to try and catch up, which is almost impossible.”
The Spain international then went on to defend Neymar, who has come in for criticism in recent weeks for his provocative style of play.
“Neymar is a very humble down to earth guy, who enjoys playing football and likes to play that way. Anyone that knows him understands this,” said the full-back.
“He doesn’t play that way intending to disrespect anybody. He doesn’t kick or insult people.”
Neymar has been a key figure for Barcelona this term, scoring 15 goals in 18 La Liga appearances.
Alba
