Cruyff: Madrid unlucky to play in Barca league

Posted Sunday, January 01, 2012 by Supersport.com

Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff has echoed his belief that Real Madrid are unlucky to be playing in the same league as the Nou Camp outfit.

Dutch footballing guru Cruyff told AS on Friday that Jose Mourinho's charges would scoop up all silverware anywhere else in the world and that Barcelona's all-conquering side are the only reason why Madrid are constantly usurped in the Spanish La Liga.

"In terms of quality, Real Madrid are the most difficult opponent, they are a great team," said Cruyff.

"It is bad luck that they play in the same league as Barcelona, [because] in any other division, they would be the best team."

Nevertheless, former Ajax wizard Cruyff warned that Pep Guardiola's team must not be complacent against the unfashionable clubs in La Liga.

"The most dangerous games for the club are not currently against Madrid, because the players do not require motivation, but against the likes of Getafe," he added.

"You cannot ask the team to be at 100 per cent for all 365 days of the year."

Cruyff has etched his name into Barca folklore, with the Dutch master having spent five successful years with the club as a midfield maestro before taking over the coaching reins in an eight year spell from 1988 to 1996, winning the La Liga crown four times between 1991 and 1994 and the Champions League title in 1992.