Having dropped points in two consecutive games before the international break, it is clear that Real Madrid have unaddressed problems that must be solved.
The performance in recent games, after all, has been on a clear downward trend and Los Blancos are fizzling out from the momentum they seemingly had when Xabi Alonso first took over.
While the defeat to Liverpool was comprehensive and against a European giant, signs of frustration were seen in the team’s game against Rayo Vallecano earlier this week which ended in a draw for Real Madrid.
The signs that showed up on the field, needless to say, do not paint a good picture.
Signs of fragility
As reported by Defensa Central in a recent report, Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler were seen arguing on the field during the recent game at Vallecas with one blaming the other for not adhering to the plan.
“You’re not where you should be,” they were heard telling each other, correcting their positioning and reflecting a lack of clarity over the tactical plan.
As two of the most positional players, Guler and Bellingham’s concern over the poor positioning of players reflects a lack of clarity and understanding of the plan Xabi Alonso has asked of the dressing room.
At times, it looks like Alonso’s ideas are beginning to confuse the players and are leading to chaos on the field – something that is not a favourable prognostic of the direction the project is heading.
It is indeed still early in Alonso’s tenure to be drawing conclusions, but the manager must look to bring out an identity in the team at the earliest.
After all, that was what he was brought in to replace Carlo Ancelotti for, and with every passing day, it appears the project is heading back to where it all started.
