Abelardo, former Espanyol coach
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Real Madrid returned to winning ways in LaLiga with a 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano. But it was a far from perfect performance from Jose Mourinho’s men.
The team looked out of place in the second half and simply did not look to have the same level of concentration.
The team’s inconsistent output has left many questioning the early days of Mourinho’s second stint at Real Madrid, with Spanish coach Abelardo being among the critics.
Abelardo voices his concern
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid coach
Is Mourinho’s team lacking intent? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Speaking to Movistar, Abelardo, who has managed teams like Sporting Gijon, Alaves and Espanyol in the past, questioned Real Madrid’s ability to control matches and the effort of their star-studded attack.
“Sometimes they loses control of the games. The other day it happened against Inter, which is true that they failed on numerous occasions, but did not take control of the match.
“With all the match Inter took them and then, when you play with such offensive players, Diomande, Vinicius, Mbappe and Bellingham himself, they have to work all,” he said (h/t Defensa Central).
The former defender then warned about the dangers such an approach can create against a brave, ball-playing side.
“When the team is split and you have a team like Rayo, which is also a brave team, which wants the ball, which is a team that is not hidden,” he added.
Papering over the cracks
Abelardo went on to highlight the risks posed by Real Madrid’s defensive frailties, suggesting the quality of their attackers often masks deeper problems.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid coach
Several question marks for Mourinho’s Real Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
“Rayo had a couple of occasions to get it to 3-2, and be careful, to see what would have happened, but in the end, it is the usual, Mbappe appears or you see what I just said above, they solve the game and they cover up,” he said.
It is a concern that Mourinho himself is well aware of, with the Portuguese having repeatedly stressed the importance of everyone defending as a unit.
The coach touched on that very topic after the win over Real Sociedad, explaining his philosophy on getting the most out of a talented group.
“In my career I have had the opportunity to coach teams with incredible players and I have also had the period of training good players, but not the top of the top.
“I always say that these people you have to teach them to play as a team and you have to teach them very little about the individual point of view,” Mourinho said.
Real Madrid now have a couple of tricky games before the first international break of the season. The team will meet Elche in midweek, followed by the big derby against Atletico Madrid next weekend.
Italian manager believes Lazio defender has the ability to play for Real Madrid – “He belongs there”
Nuno Tavares, Lazio player
Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images
Gennaro Gattuso has never been someone who has shied away from the limelight.
Even as a manager, Gattuso, now at Lazio, has continued to make statement that often raises eyebrows.
In one such instance, the Lazio manager has surprisingly claimed that one of his own players deserves to play for Real Madrid.
Gattuso backs Tavares at Real Madrid
Gennaro Gattuso, Real Madrid coach
Gattuso believes Tavares has the quality to play for Real Madrid. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
After a recent draw with AC Milan, Gattuso heaped praise on left-back Nuno Tavares, adding that he is worthy of playing for a club like Real Madrid.
“I’ve always said that Tavares is worthy of Real Madrid. It looks like someone who lost his young parents, received a great inheritance and in five years vanished,” he said (h/t Defensa Central).
“This player should be at Real Madrid. It has it all: speed, good right leg and left. He is an atypical player, but after a game he needs time to recover. He’s a good boy; you have to convince him and make him understand,” he added.
Gattuso, though, added that quality and pace aren’t enough and that he also needs to show some level of understanding and discipline.
“He knows he has talent and that, with his qualities, he could have played 10 or 12 years at Real Madrid. Just make him understand,” he said.
Is Tavares a right fit for Real Madrid?
Nuno Tavares, Lazio player
Tavares has shown impressive form at Lazio. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
After a failed stint at Arsenal, Tavares has found relative success at Lazio, racking up 11 assists in just over 60 competitive matches.
He has certainly impressed with his ability to make marauding runs forward and offer width on the flanks.
However, Real Madrid are well covered at left-back, with Marc Cucurella being the undisputed number one following his big money move from Chelsea.
Alvaro Carreras, too, impressed in the recent game against Rayo Vallecano, so there is no reason why Real Madrid should once again go after another left-back.
That being said, if Carreras leaves in the near future, Tavares could be an interesting backup for Cucurella, given the fact that he might not cost a fortune.