This interview was conducted exclusively in collaboration with Gambling Zone.
Real Madrid came into the season expecting to roll towards the La Liga title without much trouble and challenge for the Champions League again, boosted by the addition of Kylian Mbappé up front. Six months after their Champions League triumph, Los Blancos are not finished in either competition, but they still look a long way from reaching the level required to reach both.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is inconsistent in midfield, struggling at the back and crooked up front. He has come under heavy criticism for his inability to put together a cohesive lineup this season. Opting not to pursue another centre-back following Leny Yoro's move to Manchester United and the anterior cruciate ligament injuries to Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, their squad looked worn out at times.
Their team building has also been questioned. In recent years, Real Madrid have only looked for experienced players who were available for free, and young players with the potential to become world-class in the transfer market. In an exclusive chat with former Barcelona, Arsenal and France star Emmanuel Petit, Football España asked whether their policy of only pursuing players they consider long-term stars is causing problems. Although the defense is the thinnest part of the selection, the midfield is the most vulnerable, according to Petit.
“Real Madrid's squad is not balanced, they are overloaded on the left and I think if they can sign Trent Alexander-Arnold it would help them, even if he plays as a right back. With the quality of the passes that he has, that would be more than welcome for Carlo Ancelotti and his players.”
“As I said at the beginning of the season, I think Real Madrid lack midfield players and creative players, with control, with character and personality. They have quality attackers with creativity, but I think sometimes they lose the link with the midfield. That's why Luka Modric keeps playing. Sometimes he can change the game with great passes, but you can't rely on him forever.”
In recent weeks, Ancelotti has faced significant pressure to give more playing time to Arda Guler, one of the more creative options he has on the bench. The Turkish playmaker has shown sufficient talent, but did not gain confidence in big matches – Petit has no problem with that either.
“With Guler he hasn't had time to play, just a few minutes here and there, he reminds me a bit of Martin Odegaard when he was there. Not the same age, but he was also waiting for his chance for a while, I think they have similar qualities, Guler has quality. But we are talking about Madrid, you know, the pressure, you have to be effective straight away when you are on the pitch.”
“Some players get the chance on the pitch, but he hasn't convinced the manager or the president. Some players need more time to settle into the team. That's how it goes in Madrid, you have to be good, and sometimes even that is not enough.”
In his view, Toni Kroos' retirement was a problem that was not addressed and caused a chain effect within the Real Madrid squad. Luka Modric's presence in their recent Champions League defeat to Liverpool at Anfield was proof of that. Petit hinted that the problem could be much bigger than just a lack of desire to gamble or spend money at Real Madrid.
“I repeat myself: I never changed my mind, after Kroos left and now that Modric is getting older, they have done a fantastic job for years. Modric won the golden ball, Kroos was not far away either, if those guys are no longer there, it is very difficult to replace them,” Petit reasoned.
“It's not a question of money, they have enough money, they have the image of Real Madrid, so it's easier for them to bring in some players too. I think nowadays in the market it's quite difficult to find someone who can fill the gap left by these players. Even looking at the best teams in the world right now, who can fit into the role that Kroos played in Madrid? A few come to mind, but those They are already at the biggest clubs, and they are not that young.”
Kroos' absence and Luka Modric's declining ability to impose himself in games – quite reasonable at the age of 39 – also has a major impact on those ahead. Not least Kylian Mbappé. Jude Bellingham's form has improved of late with four goals in his last four league games, while Vinicius Junior has been their best player, but at no point have Real Madrid looked like a fluid attacking unit.
“It's a cycle, maybe they have to wait a little longer. Everyone points the finger at Mbappé, but I think Bellingham also misses Modric (traditionally) and Kroos, Vinicius misses Modric. For me it was bad timing for the arrival of Mbappé, with Vinicius one of the best in the world on the left. Bellingham also played very well, he had a great season. Both boys used to benefit from Kroos or Modric and the way they controlled the midfield.”
How is Real Madrid handling the matter? It's a question that goes beyond Petit.
“Basically in the market, even if you are willing to buy someone who already plays for a big club, someone who plays for the best clubs in England, Germany or Italy, there are just not that many who can play that role.”
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