Real Madrid are facing serious questions after their 2-1 Madrid derby defeat to Atletico Madrid, with club legend Claude Makelele delivering a brutal assessment of the team's performance under returning manager Jose Mourinho.
Key Takeaways from Makelele's Scathing Assessment:
- Makelele's Criticism: The former Real Madrid midfielder questioned Mourinho's tactical setup after the derby defeat.
- No Clear Structure: Makelele highlighted a lack of understanding between the players and coaching staff.
- Mbappe-Vinicius Issue: The positioning of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr has raised concerns over Madrid's attacking structure.
- Tough Schedule Ahead: Real Madrid face Villarreal, Sevilla, Roma and Leipzig before a crucial October 25 clash with Barcelona.
Makelele Slams Mourinho's Tactical Setup
The defeat leaves Madrid fourth on 15 points, just one point behind second-placed Atletico Madrid, while Barcelona sit top of La Liga with a perfect 21 points heading into the international break. Speaking to ESPN, Makelele criticised Mourinho's setup, pointing to a lack of tactical direction, cohesion and a clear game plan.
That lack of attacking cohesion was particularly evident during the Madrid derby, adding to the frustration surrounding a team expected to challenge for major honours following Mourinho's return and a busy summer transfer window.
Makelele did not hold back when assessing what he saw from Real Madrid, insisting there is "no understanding" between the players or with the coach, with key forwards such as Mbappe and Vinicius Jr appearing to overlap in their positions.
He added that Mourinho must talk to the players, while describing the team as weak and claiming there is "no game plan and no clear ideas." Makelele summed up his frustration bluntly: "There is nothing. Nothing, nothing, nothing... Absolutely nothing. We must demand more from them."
AFP
Makelele Dismisses Refereeing Controversy
The Madrid derby also generated controversy surrounding the match officials, with Real Madrid TV expressing outrage over a potential red-card incident involving Cristian Romero.
However, Makelele rejected the idea that refereeing decisions were the main reason for Real Madrid's problems. "The problem is not the referee, there is an obvious deficiency in the team," he argued, making it clear that attention should instead remain on the team's tactical shortcomings.
The former midfielder believes the issues extend to how Mbappe is being utilised and the lack of chemistry within the starting lineup. For Makelele, focusing on the officials risks distracting from the bigger problems Mourinho must solve.
What's Next for Real Madrid?
Mourinho now has little time to address the concerns raised after the derby, with Real Madrid facing a demanding schedule when domestic and European action resumes. Madrid are set to face Villarreal and Sevilla in La Liga, while Roma and Leipzig await in the Champions League.
The difficult run will culminate in a major October 25 clash against Barcelona, giving Mourinho a limited window to address the tactical issues highlighted by Makelele and improve Real Madrid's performances.
