News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp
Home  » Sports » Villarreal coach criticises players

Villarreal coach criticises players

July 23, 2006 21:54 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini criticised his players' attitude and concentration after they were knocked out of the Intertoto Cup by Slovenian side NK Maribor 3-2 on aggregate.

Last season's Champions League semi-finalists lost 2-1 at home and finished with 10 men in the first leg, then had another three sent off as they could only draw the return 1-1 on Saturday.

"We are out (of Europe) because we played with fewer players in both encounters and because our rivals were very motivated. They were deserved winners," Pellegrini said.

"You cannot afford to have four players sent off in two games. I am really annoyed."

Striker Diego Forlan, midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi and defender Gonzalo Rodriguez were all shown red cards near the end of Saturday's game. The side played 43 minutes of the first leg with 10 men following Josemi's sending off.

Villarreal fell to Arsenal in last seasons Champions League semi-final. They reached the UEFA Cup quarter-finals in 2005 and the semi-finals in 2004.

Maribor progress into the second qualifying round for the UEFA Cup.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Paris Olympics 2024

India's Tour Of Australia 2024-25