Real Madrid’s struggles this season are proving to be more complex than Kylian Mbappe’s adaptation to the squad. While much focus has been placed on integrating the French star, the issues at Madrid go far beyond the 24-year-old forward. The problems are more entrenched, with a vulnerable defense, an inconsistent midfield, and a disconnect with fans that are impacting both La Liga and Champions League campaigns.
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti faces a challenging situation as he attempts to restore consistency to a team plagued by tactical and structural issues. With the club now trailing their rivals Barcelona by nine points in La Liga and falling short in Europe, Real Madrid must find solutions quickly to salvage their season. Here’s a closer look at the deeper issues Madrid needs to address.
Defensive Weaknesses: A Major Concern for Madrid
One of Real Madrid’s most pressing issues lies in their defense. Conceding seven goals over the last two games, the team has seen back-to-back defeats, an alarming trend for a club with high aspirations. These losses marked the first time since 2009 that Madrid has suffered consecutive home defeats while conceding three or more goals in each match. This stark statistic highlights the fragility of Madrid’s defense, which has placed them in a vulnerable position across competitions.
⚪️ Carlo Ancelotti: “We had many chances. We lacked accuracy, we could score more. But this is not the problem…”.
“We don’t defend well. We need to be more compact. We lack solidity”. pic.twitter.com/w1Csj0fUQG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 6, 2024
With the team conceding a total of 18 goals in just 16 matches, Madrid’s defense has become a glaring weakness. The situation is exacerbated by individual errors and a lack of cohesion among the defenders, who are struggling to keep up with the demands of both La Liga and Champions League play. This has intensified pressure on goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who has been left exposed by an unsteady backline.
Midfield Instability and Lack of Cohesion
Real Madrid’s midfield has been another area of concern this season. The club’s midfield, which once commanded control and creativity, is now plagued by inconsistency. Injuries, frequent rotations, and a lack of clear roles have disrupted the team’s rhythm, affecting both defensive coverage and attacking support. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, key players in recent years, are aging, while the younger players haven’t fully filled the leadership void left by former captain Karim Benzema.
| Since scoring in each of his first four UEFA Champions League games for Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham hasn’t found the net in any of his last 10 appearances in the competition… ❌
[@OptaJoe] pic.twitter.com/2TDk1Du1mR
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) November 5, 2024
This lack of cohesion has prevented Madrid from establishing a reliable connection between defense and attack. The midfield’s instability has also affected Mbappe’s integration, as he lacks the consistent support needed to maximize his potential. This disconnect has left the front line isolated, forcing Madrid to rely on individual moments rather than cohesive play to break down opponents.
The Challenge of Mbappe’s Integration
When Mbappe joined Real Madrid, he arrived with high expectations, yet his transition has not been seamless. While his talent and skill are undeniable, Ancelotti has struggled to fit Mbappe into a system that plays to his strengths. Former striker Karim Benzema pointed out that Mbappe’s style requires adaptation, and the transition has exposed cracks in Madrid’s existing setup.
However, focusing solely on Mbappe’s adjustment risks overlooking the broader issues plaguing the team. The challenge of integrating Mbappe into an already imbalanced squad has highlighted Madrid’s need for systemic adjustments rather than relying on individual brilliance. For Madrid to succeed, they must build a structure that enhances Mbappe’s talents while strengthening the team’s overall dynamics.
Growing Disconnect with the Fans
As Real Madrid’s struggles continue, the team’s relationship with its supporters has also come under strain. The recent defeats have left fans frustrated, with many questioning the team’s direction and commitment. During the second half of their latest match, signs of discontent were visible in the stands at the Santiago Bernabeu, where the crowd’s anxiety mirrored the team’s struggles on the pitch.
| Real Madrid suffer consecutive defeats in last 2 games:
❌ 4-0 loss vs Barcelona
❌ 3-1 loss vs Milan pic.twitter.com/KPeXEE1DSa— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) November 5, 2024
Real Madrid’s rich history of success has set high expectations, and the current form has left fans feeling disconnected from the team. This gap between the players and supporters is a growing concern, as Madrid’s lack of cohesion has diminished their identity as a unified force. If the team cannot re-establish this connection, it risks eroding the fan support that has been a cornerstone of their success.
La Liga and Champions League Hopes Under Threat
Real Madrid’s struggles have not only impacted their standing in La Liga but have also affected their Champions League ambitions. Currently trailing Barcelona by nine points, Madrid is under pressure to close the gap. Their inconsistent form in Europe has left them in a precarious position, and the team’s defensive fragility has been a recurring problem in both domestic and international competitions.
With three losses already this season, Madrid has exceeded the total number of defeats from the previous campaign. The team’s drop in form is no longer just about style or system—it’s now affecting results. This decline has put Ancelotti and his squad in a situation where every match is critical. The team’s inability to secure consistent victories has raised concerns about their ability to compete for titles.
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The Path Forward: Fixing the Systemic Issues
To regain their competitive edge, Real Madrid must address the deeper, systemic issues within the squad. This means solidifying the defense, finding consistency in midfield, and creating a cohesive structure that allows for effective transitions between defense and attack. Ancelotti and his coaching staff need to establish a clear system that provides stability, allowing players to perform at their best.
One approach may involve focusing on the fundamentals of defensive organization and enhancing communication within the backline. Establishing clear roles for each midfielder and adopting a more structured pressing system could also help Madrid regain control of the game’s tempo. By tightening up defensively and ensuring a smoother connection from midfield to attack, Madrid can create a more balanced team capable of adapting to various challenges.
Ancelotti’s Role in Madrid’s Turnaround
As manager, Carlo Ancelotti bears the responsibility of addressing these challenges and guiding Madrid back to form. Ancelotti’s experience and tactical flexibility are valuable assets, but the current situation requires decisive action. Adapting his tactics to maximize the strengths of players like Mbappe while strengthening the team’s defensive and midfield structures will be crucial.
Ancelotti’s ability to inspire and motivate his players will also be essential in bridging the gap between the team and the fans. By focusing on collective responsibility and fostering a culture of resilience, he can help Madrid overcome their current struggles and re-establish their identity as one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Real Madrid’s Struggles Require Immediate Action
Real Madrid’s issues this season extend far beyond Kylian Mbappe’s integration. The problems are deeply rooted, with a leaky defense, inconsistent midfield, and disconnection with fans undermining the team’s performances. While Mbappe’s transition has posed challenges, the real concern lies in Madrid’s inability to build a cohesive and balanced team.
With La Liga and Champions League titles still within reach, Ancelotti and his squad must act swiftly to address these fundamental weaknesses. Strengthening the defense, establishing consistency in midfield, and reconnecting with the fans are all critical steps if Madrid hopes to turn their season around. As one of the most storied clubs in world football, Real Madrid has faced adversity before, but overcoming these challenges will require a renewed focus, unity, and resilience.
