Six Problems Real Madrid Must Fix To Be Tough Again
Real Madrid, known for its exceptional success in Europe and La Liga, is facing unexpected struggles this season. The addition of superstar Kylian Mbappe was expected to strengthen an already impressive lineup, yet the team has encountered obstacles that have caused them to fall behind Barcelona in La Liga.
With both league and Champions League aspirations on the line, manager Carlo Ancelotti has six critical issues to address if he hopes to restore Real Madrid’s winning edge.
1. Maximizing Mbappe’s Potential
While Kylian Mbappe has contributed on the scoreboard, with eight goals and two assists in his initial 14 games, his role on the pitch hasn’t fully aligned with Madrid’s overall needs. Ancelotti has faced challenges in making Mbappe fit cohesively with teammates, particularly Vinicius Jr. Though often positioned centrally, Mbappe tends to drift left, creating congestion in spaces where Vinicius operates best.
Mbappe’s style has also been questioned defensively. Known for his goal-scoring prowess rather than off-the-ball movement, Mbappe’s approach has made it difficult to establish a balanced attack that also contributes to defensive pressure. Ancelotti needs to urge the French star to adopt a more versatile role, which could improve team dynamics and create opportunities for his teammates in other areas of the pitch.
2. Reintegrating Bellingham’s Offensive Power
Jude Bellingham, the 21-year-old English midfielder, impressed in his initial months at Real Madrid with a consistent goal-scoring record. However, since Mbappe’s arrival, Bellingham’s position has shifted, and his goals have dwindled as he has been placed in deeper midfield roles. Bellingham’s versatility has been his hallmark, making him a valuable box-to-box midfielder who can operate both defensively and offensively.
This season, his lack of presence in the final third has been apparent. Ancelotti faces the challenge of reintroducing Bellingham’s attacking capabilities without compromising the space needed by other forwards. Finding a way for Bellingham to complement, rather than compete with, the likes of Mbappe and Vinicius, will be crucial if Ancelotti is to get the best out of Madrid’s star-studded roster.
3. Addressing Defensive Weaknesses
Real Madrid’s defensive issues have been one of the season’s most prominent concerns, with an uncharacteristic number of individual errors leading to unnecessary goals. In 14 games, Madrid has conceded 15 goals, a concerning statistic given their usual strength in possession.
The defense has been impacted by key players struggling with form: Ferland Mendy, who was easily outplayed by Barcelona’s young talent Lamine Yamal; Antonio Rudiger, who has shown inconsistency; and Eder Militao, still readjusting after an ACL injury.
Ancelotti has been vocal about his defensive concerns, recognizing the need to tighten Madrid’s backline. This task involves not only improving individual performances but fostering a collective approach to defending that leverages Madrid’s defensive potential more consistently.
4. Finding a Right-Back Solution
The injury to veteran right-back Dani Carvajal has further exposed Madrid’s vulnerabilities on the right side of defense. Carvajal’s injury in late October removed an experienced presence from the lineup, leaving a significant gap that has yet to be filled adequately.
Ancelotti has opted for Lucas Vazquez as a temporary replacement; however, Vazquez’s background as a winger means he lacks the defensive qualities Madrid requires in crucial matches.
One potential solution could be to move Militao to right-back—a position he has previously held in international play with Brazil. This shift would allow Aurelien Tchouameni to assume a more central defensive role, providing stability while Madrid seeks a long-term replacement. However, Madrid may need to explore the transfer market for a more permanent solution in the coming months.
5. Rediscovering Control Without Kroos
The departure of Toni Kroos has left a palpable void in Madrid’s midfield, as the team lacks a natural playmaker with Kroos’s unique ability to dictate the pace and flow of the game. Known for his precision passing and ability to manage transitions seamlessly, Kroos brought structure and control that is now missing from Madrid’s lineup. Without a central “metronome” figure, Madrid’s midfield often appears rushed, struggling to maintain rhythm during games.
Luka Modric remains an option, though he is typically more effective when playing a deeper role, while players like Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga lack Kroos’s finesse in distributing the ball. Ancelotti must work to develop a new playmaking strategy that allows Madrid to regain the composure Kroos provided or perhaps consider reshaping his midfield with a player who can grow into this vital role.
6. Restoring Team Cohesion
Finally, Real Madrid’s internal dynamics have shifted, and the team seems less cohesive this season. Ancelotti, known for his ability to maintain a positive environment and motivate top players, appears to be facing a challenge in restoring the unity that has characterized past Madrid squads. In recent games, the frustration on the pitch has been more visible, with players expressing dissatisfaction and showing signs of discord during matches.
The “power of friendship,” a phrase often associated with Madrid’s chemistry in recent years, seems to have weakened amid roster changes and high expectations. Ancelotti’s leadership is key to revitalizing the camaraderie among players, an aspect that has historically driven Madrid’s success under his management. Ensuring a positive team atmosphere could reinvigorate Madrid’s form and allow players to perform at their peak as they pursue domestic and European titles.
With these six areas of focus, Carlo Ancelotti has a clear but challenging path ahead to revive Real Madrid’s season. The blend of new talent and the loss of established stars has brought a unique set of difficulties, but Ancelotti’s experience and adaptability make him well-equipped to steer the team back to form. Each solution, from optimizing Mbappe’s contributions to finding stability in defense, will be instrumental as Madrid battles to stay competitive in La Liga and the Champions League.
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