Real Madrid finds itself under intense scrutiny following a dismal display against Rayo Vallecano. The club is experiencing a significant crisis, as highlighted by sports journalists Raúl Varela and Roberto Gómez. Following a narrow defeat to Liverpool (1-0) and a disappointing draw in La Liga (0-0 against Rayo), the criticism surrounding the Merengues and their manager, Xabi Alonso, is growing louder.
Varela expressed deep concern about the current state of the team during the show “La Tribu.” He believes that recent performances have exposed long-standing issues within the squad. “The current Real Madrid is reminiscent of its historic self, but with diminished individual quality,” he stated. Varela has previously raised alarms about the team’s trajectory, despite facing backlash for his views. “I was criticized for my stance months ago, but I stand by it. There are few stars and even fewer leaders in this squad,” he emphasized.
Unfulfilled Promises
The journalist also criticized the rhetoric surrounding Alonso’s arrival at the club last summer. According to Varela, the optimistic discourse regarding high-pressure tactics after losing possession, meritocracy, and effective squad rotation has not translated into tangible results on the pitch. “The talk of pressing, meritocracy, and utilizing youth academy talents has turned out to be mere electoral slogans,” he remarked.
Varela recalled how during the World Cup in the United States, glimpses of Alonso’s tactical principles were visible. “We saw recognizable elements from his time at Bayer Leverkusen—system changes within matches, collective solidarity, standout performances like Gonzalo Garcia‘s, and constant adjustments to the starting eleven,” he noted. However, he lamented that this philosophy appears to have dissipated since entering official competition. “Old habits are deeply ingrained. This Real Madrid is once again in crisis,” he added.
A Troubling List of Issues
The challenges facing the team are numerous and alarming. Varela pointed out a lack of creativity in midfield and insufficient attacking threat as critical areas needing attention. The team’s inability to secure victories against teams like Rayo Vallecano raises questions about their competitiveness in both domestic and European competitions.
Moreover, Gómez echoed Varela’s sentiments, suggesting that without immediate improvements, the club risks falling further behind its rivals. The pressure is mounting on Xabi Alonso to turn things around quickly as fans express their dissatisfaction with the team’s trajectory.
As Real Madrid looks ahead, they must confront these pressing issues head-on. Will they be able to regain their status among Europe’s elite? The upcoming fixtures will be pivotal for both player morale and managerial stability.
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