Real Madrid: the hidden culprits of the crisis

It’s the crisis on Madrid’s side. And as is often the case, the Madrid media and supporters are looking for the culprits. Obviously, as a coach, Carlo Ancelotti is the first man to be singled out. The faulty offensive animation of his team and its lack of playing philosophy are singled out, as is its management of young players and certain of its tactical decisions, including the use of Jude Bellingham. In addition to the transalpine tactician, many players are also considered guilty of the difficult situation the team is going through.

Obviously, Kylian Mbappé is expensive. The Frenchman’s contribution at the start of the season is considered disappointing. He misses a lot of chances, has a fairly mediocre participation in the game, and is not involved enough defensively according to his teammates and the staff. Aurélien Tchouaméni is also one of the players targeted. Florentino Pérez’s obsession with Mbappé – some Madrilenians consider that his arrival was unnecessary – is also a subject that gets people talking in Madrid. But beyond these visible heads, in the shadows, there are other men who can be judged responsible for the bad times experienced by the Merengues.

Culprits in the offices

José Angel Sanchez, general director and right-hand man of Florentino Pérez, is the main person responsible for the club’s sporting decisions. This summer, several players like Kroos, Nacho or Joselu left, and were not replaced, creating certain gaps in certain positions, but above all a lack of competition and competitiveness in the team. The German midfielder is also one of the “culprits” – despite himself – of the drop in level of the Merengues this season. His departure created a huge void in the middle and demonstrates that the work of building the team carried out this summer was completely missed.

The work of Antonio Pintus, the physical trainer of the first team, can also be called into question as the Madrilenians lack freshness. Statistics show that this season, Real Madrid are the penultimate team that cover the fewest kilometers in the Champions League, averaging 6km less per match than last season in the competition. Unacceptable for a club of such caliber. Clearly, in Madrid, the culprits are not only on the green rectangle or on the sidelines…