Toshack blames players for Real slump

Former Real Madrid coach John Toshack has called on the club’s players to take responsibility for their side’s form slump.

The La Liga champions are in the middle of a dire run of results having won only one of their first four league games.

Despite Real coach Jose Mourinho taking blame for the lacklustre start, Toshack believes the players are also at fault.

“It is clear that the players are partly responsible,” he told Esports Cope. “Sometimes a coach does not get the performance he wants, so it is fair that they share the blame.

“Mourinho’s pride will be hurt terribly. It is a horrible start for the team, and as long as this continues, the pressure will keep on coming. And even more so if things don’t go well against Manchester City.

“It is going to be a difficult fight for the league. They will have to win the next game at Camp Nou (against Barcelona).”

Real host Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday.