What does this recent slump mean for Los Blancos
Real Madrid failed to beat Girona yesterday, marking their failure to win four of their last five games. What could be the reason for this dip in form for a team that started the season with so much promise and high expectations? Could it be that their star players cannot coexist in the same team? Or perhaps this is an early indication that it might be time for Los Blancos to part ways with the Basque manager. These questions will be explored as the discussion continues. The main question Madridistas are asking is: what needs to happen for Real Madrid to return to the pinnacle of football? What will it take for Real Madrid to look like a threat going forward?
Testing times at the Bernabeu
Although Xabi Alonso has reassured Madridistas that better times are coming, it remains to be seen how patient the fans will be with the manager and, most importantly, how patient Florentino Pérez will be. At Real Madrid, the mindset is straightforward but brutal: you either win games and deliver trophies, or you are out. At the beginning of Alonso’s tenure, he seemed to be reinstilling a sense of hope among Madridistas. Real Madrid was finally starting to limit how much opposition teams could play; when they had the ball, their midfield was not being run through, and there was actual pressure on the ball. The only struggle appeared to be creating clear-cut chances in the box, which can be attributed to the absence of a deep-lying playmaker. However, they now look like a reflection of their old selves from last season.
Real Madrid a team with no structure
Ever since the defeat at Anfield, they seem to have completely backslid: no pressure on the ball, playing the ball from back to front around the edge of the box, and a disjointed defense with opponents slicing through it like butter. So what actions must be taken to address these deficiencies? There have been various speculations that Alonso is keen on bringing Adam Wharton to the Bernabéu, which would help fix their problem of struggling against low blocks. Wharton is known for making passes that cut apart defensive lines and is praised for his vision and ability to maneuver out of tight spaces. This would address their problems going forward and provide stronger solidity in midfield.
Could it be time for a change at the dugout
Another question raised during Real Madrid’s slump is whether Alonso is really the right man for the job or if managing a team like Los Blancos is too much to ask this early in his coaching career. Several tactical errors Alonso has made since arriving have made fans question his certainty and whether his methods suit Real Madrid. The three most notable criticisms of the Basque manager were: playing García out of position in PSG’s 4-0 mauling, which limited his effectiveness; starting Bellingham fresh off a shoulder injury, who failed to gel with the team’s tactics; and playing Camavinga on the right side of the pitch, where he failed to add depth, causing players to shift left and become predictable for Liverpool to defend against.
Have injuries plagued their season
Another problem Los Blancos currently face is injuries in their backline, with notable absences like Rüdiger and Carvajal. Although Valverde has been holding his ground at right back, his energy, versatility, dynamism, and athleticism are missed in midfield. Along with a deep-lying playmaker, Valverde’s presence in midfield makes Los Blancos a stronger force in the middle of the park, making it hard to get past them. As the season continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this situation plays out. From my perspective, with everything I have observed, it may be time for a change in the dugout at the Bernabéu.
