Andriy Lunin got an opportunity to make a rare start for Real Madrid against Girona last night. The Ukrainian international had to step into the lineup after first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois did not make the trip to Catalonia because of gastroenteritis.
But the game ended on a disastrous note for Lunin as he let in four goals, all scored by Valentin Castellanos.
While the entire team was not at the level needed, the goalkeeper was struggling especially. Having faced five shots, Lunin conceded four goals, two of which he could have done better against and stopped.
Following last night’s events, Mario Cortegana of The Athletic has come out with an extensive report on Lunin and how the 24-year-old is perceived by Real Madrid’s coaching staff.
As per the report, the club’s coaching staff have always had doubts about Lunin and yesterday night’s performance did not come as a surprise to them.
It is claimed that the coaches are worried that key points that have been communicated to the Ukrainian international have not been taken on board.
The general feeling is that he has failed to improve on certain aspects of his game despite being pointed out as areas of weakness, such as his distribution and game management.
Lunin’s current contract with Real Madrid expires next year and the goalkeeper is understood to be keen on renewing with the club. The club board also shares similar thoughts but the coaching staff continue to have doubts about the reserve goalkeeper.
The report states that Lunin, who is well-liked in the dressing room, is seen as someone who is fixed in his own ways and not entirely open to taking new ideas on board.
The goalkeeper, for his part, is understood to acknowledge some of his shortcomings but believes that he needs more playing time in order to make improvements to his game.
It remains to be seen as to how Real Madrid decide to proceed on this matter as they risk losing Lunin for no fee next year if he is not renewed.
