Bernardo Silva of Real Madrid
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Real Madrid head into the international break six points behind Barcelona, and it is safe to say that the deficit is massive considering the stage of the season.
Los Blancos have looked second best in most of the games they have played this season, but the recent defeat to Atletico Madrid was perhaps their worst performance yet, and it is clear that a lot must change.
The pressure on Jose Mourinho is clearly mounting, and the manager has some massive decisions to make over the next three weeks before club football returns.
The big midfield call
So far this season, Mourinho has maintained Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde as his top defensive midfield pairing on the field, especially for the big games.
While the former was indeed injured for a long time, his prompt inclusion into the dynamics made it clear that he was seen as essential.
Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde of Real Madrid
Mourinho’s preferred duo so far. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
As reported by MARCA, however, one of Mourinho’s biggest decisions will have to arrive on the midfield composition – particularly the Valverde-Tchouameni pairing.
While both players are indeed match-winners in their own right, their ability to create openings and bring creativity to the field generates serious doubts. In fact, the duo have barely created any chances in their time together on the field.
The manager could, thus, turn to Bernardo Silva more often after the break and he could well arise as an optimal alternative starter – especially against defensive teams.
Most of Real Madrid’s performances so far this season have seen the team play too passively and defend deep while waiting to hit out on the counter-attack.
Jose Mourinho, Manager of Real Madrid
Big decisions to make. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
What the opening phase of the season has made clear, however, is that it is simply not sustainable to retain the same dynamic moving forward.
Adding a creative player to the pivot and bringing in profiles like Arda Guler who can offer versatility, needless to say, will go a long way in seeing Real Madrid take charge of games.
All eyes, thus, will be on Mourinho to see if he can boldly bench the big names and work out a system that plays with a clear plan.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho skips annual coaches’ meeting in Las Rozas
Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Real Madrid
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho was a notable absentee at the annual meeting of Spain’s First and Second Division coaches on Monday.
The gathering, held at the City of Football in Las Rozas, is a common fixture on the calendar, bringing together managers from across the divisions once a year.
However, Mourinho was not in attendance, and neither were several of his high-profile counterparts, reports Mundo Deportivo.
Mourinho’s absence had nothing to do with the fallout from the recent Madrid derby, despite the controversy that surrounded the fixture.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid coach
Mourinho’s absence was informed well in advance. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
The Portuguese had, in fact, excused himself from the meeting days in advance, citing personal scheduling reasons.
Real Madrid had been aware of his non-attendance for some time, meaning it came as no surprise on the day.
Mourinho was far from the only manager to give the meeting a miss.
Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone and Barcelona’s Hansi Flick were also among the many coaches who did not attend.
Refereeing remains a hot topic
The annual meeting, organised by the Coaches Committee, has in recent years been dominated by two recurring themes: economic problems and refereeing matters.
The financial issues, primarily stemming from some coaches not being paid, had long been a source of frustration.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Mourinho must find some answers during the international break. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
That particular problem is now understood to have been resolved following the involvement of La Liga, a development that came after Carlo Ancelotti had previously expressed considerable anger over the matter.
The second issue, refereeing, continues to be a major talking point.
Despite efforts from the Federation and coaches to resolve the matter, including meetings between technicians and officials, the conflict remains very much alive.
That was evident once again this past weekend, with Mourinho and other coaches openly voicing their frustrations over the officiating.
For Mourinho, though, the focus will remain firmly on his own side during the international break.
Having overseen two key defeats that leave Real Madrid six points behind Barcelona, the Portuguese has plenty to work on as he looks to steer his team back on track when club football resumes against Villarreal on October 10.