Real Madrid Grapples with Form and Controversy Amidst International Break

Navigating a Turbulent Period

Real Madrid finds itself in a challenging phase as the international break commences, following a series of results that have raised questions about their form and direction. The club currently sits fourth in La Liga, accumulating 15 points from seven matches, with a record of five wins and two losses. Their recent 2-1 defeat to Atlético de Madrid in the derby highlighted several areas of concern, including recurring errors and a perceived lack of defensive contribution from attacking players ^[1]. This loss, coupled with an earlier 0-1 defeat to Real Betis, marks a less favorable start to the season compared to the previous year ^[2]. The team’s overall performance has been a significant concern for its fanbase, with some analysts suggesting that the team’s profile of vertical and fast players makes possession-based control difficult, advocating for a focus on defense and counter-attacks to be ultracompetitive ^[3]. Adding to the complexity, the club has been reminded of its obligation to strictly adhere to official match start times ^[4].

Suspensions, Injuries, and Squad Dynamics

The upcoming fixtures will see Real Madrid contend with several key absences due to suspensions and injuries. Jude Bellingham, a pivotal figure in the squad, received a sanction for dangerous play and will serve a one-match suspension ^[4]. Dean Huijsen was also sent off in the recent derby and will be suspended for the next match ^[5]. Furthermore, Federico Valverde sustained an ankle injury during the derby, with specialists suggesting a grade 3 sprain could lead to a six-week absence ^[6]. These absences will test the depth of the squad, especially with 15 players called up for international duty, raising concerns about their health and fitness upon return ^[7]. On a positive note, Thiago Pitarch, who has been out with a knee injury for two months, is joining Real Madrid Castilla to regain match fitness and could potentially be called up to the U20 national team ^[8]. The form of Vinicius Junior has also been a topic of discussion, with his performance described as having declined significantly since his renewal, leading to suggestions that he might need to be benched ^[9]. Meanwhile, Yan Diomandé is impressing and challenging for a starting position, particularly on the left wing ^[10].

Managerial Changes and Off-Field Tensions

José Mourinho has taken the helm as the new coach for Real Madrid ^[11], and his initial plan has already shown weaknesses, particularly in the midfield trio of Valverde, Tchouaméni, and Güler, which has not consistently maintained control of games ^[10]. Mourinho’s post-match reactions have focused on referees rather than the game itself ^[12], and he was notably absent from a Coaches’ Committee meeting where referees called for respect and empathy ^[13]. Off the field, Real Madrid is embroiled in a significant dispute with LaLiga president Javier Tebas. The club has issued a strong statement against Tebas, calling his continuous criticism “intolerable” and demanding a neutral leader for the competition ^[14]. Tebas, in turn, has dismissed Real Madrid’s claims about refereeing errors as baseless, suggesting they are an excuse for poor performance ^[5]. This escalating tension between the club and the league adds another layer of complexity to Real Madrid’s current situation.

What it means

Real Madrid’s current standing at fourth in La Liga with 15 points from seven games (W5 D0 L2, GF 18 GA 8) indicates a mixed start to the season. The two losses, particularly the recent derby defeat, highlight vulnerabilities that new manager José Mourinho will need to address. The team’s form, with two losses in their last five league matches, suggests inconsistency. The upcoming international break offers a chance for some players to recover, but also presents the risk of further injuries or fatigue for the 15 players on national duty. The next fixture, against an unconfirmed opponent, will be crucial for Real Madrid to regain momentum and climb the league table, especially given their current six-point deficit behind the leaders.

Sources

1. Marca: "Mou, tienes más trabajo que quejas" marca.com ↩
2. Marca: Teníamos entendido que Mourinho había venido para esto marca.com ↩
3. Marca: Valdano y Álvaro Benito anatomizan la naturaleza del Madrid de Mourinho: "El 85% de los jugadores son de caos" marca.com ↩
4. Marca: El Atlético-Real Madrid se salda con una lluvia de sanciones y una resolución especial marca.com ↩
5. BBC Sport: 'In another galaxy' - La Liga chief dismisses Real's ref conspiracy claims bbc.co.uk ↩
6. Marca: Valverde tiene un esguince de grado 3 marca.com ↩
7. Marca: 122 ‘soldados’ de LaLiga se alistan al parón marca.com ↩
8. Marca: Thiago y los campeones del mundo marca.com ↩
9. Marca: "Si quieres quedarte en el Real Madrid, no vas a Londres... y Vinicius fue" marca.com ↩
10. Marca: Las primeras grietas del plan inicial de Mourinho marca.com ↩
11. Marca: Mbappé: "Sería una decepción no ganar el Balón de Oro, no hubo nadie mejor que yo la temporada pasada" marca.com ↩
12. Marca: Roberto Gómez, sobre Mourinho: "Nadie habla del juego" marca.com ↩
13. Marca: Fran Soto, a los entrenadores: “Respeto y empatía” marca.com ↩
14. Marca: Duro comunicado del Madrid contra Tebas: "Es intolerable" marca.com ↩