Not so real, Madrid

Twb Article 3 min read

Not many in world football could’ve predicted the mauling Real Madrid would have at the hands of eternal rivals, FC Barcelona.

Author

S'bo Gyre

Published

March , 2022

 Real did not see it coming. Outplayed, out-thought, and outmaneuvered. Barca was full value for their victory.
Most shocking was the ease with which Barca had control of the game. With the exception of the first few minutes of the match, Xavi’s men had a clear game model that was expertly executed. Dubbed as the latest disciple of the Pep Guardiola school of JDP or Positional Play, the World Cup winner come coach, has the weight of expectation on his shoulders.

Where the Blaugrana were able to embrace expectation and play to their maximum, Real looked like a school of fish out of water.

Dubious tactical decisions aside, to get back to, of course, the men famous for playing in white shirts were appropriately dressed in Black.

The team playing at the Bernabeau did not look and certainly did not play like Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti was quick to assume the blame. As much as it was a clear tactic to protect his players, who are by no means faultless, the truth is that he really is to blame. Ultimately the responsibility of the team’s performance falls squarely on the hands of the coach. Especially when the most glaring difference is tactical competence.

Carlo is a legendary manager of the modern era with clear hallmarks of an experienced and continual winner. However, he is no longer within the bracket of elite coaches with exciting innovations that challenge our established thoughts of the game. The reality is he was brought in as a stop-gap solution and this past Sunday it showed.

It was 4 but they could have easily leaked more. Madrid were poor and porous. Had it not been for Thibaut Courtois’ countless saves, talk of the sack could have easily surfaced. After all, this is Real Madrid.
There is no doubt Karim Benzema’s presence on the pitch would have certainly made a difference. However, a thorough look at the consequences of this Classico beyond the result should compel Florentino Perez and co to ask themselves serious questions about the direction the club is taking with the man in charge and the players at his disposal.

As spectacular as the win against PSG was, we cannot forget how lacklustre they looked for the most part of that tie. Taking nothing away from Ancelotti’s men, but that particular outcome felt more like the Parisians struggling to handle pressure and Madrid taking advantage of that

Amassing a 10-point lead in La Liga over closest rivals Sevilla is an impressive title charge and one seemingly destined to result in their coronation. It must be said though that Atletico’s meagre title defence and Barcelona’s protracted time under Ronald Koeman have definitely contributed to the comfort with which Real have accumulated this lead, which cannot be denied. Props, however, will always be given where they are due.

The Champion’s League tie against defending champions Chelsea will be a good test of the team’s tactical prowess. Carlo will be looking to make it right in the coming weeks but Perez should be looking beyond this season.

Should a younger and more tactically ambitious coach become available in the market, Real Madrid ought to act as you would expect Real Madrid would. That is to acquire the services of the best the game has to offer or risk falling behind a resurgent Barcelona and the ever-present English heavyweights.

Written by 

S'bo Gyre (@FootballFemmes)

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