Last season, Real Madrid bet on Xabi Alonso, then Alvaro Arbeloa. Neither of them was really unanimous in the group. José Mourinho seems to have his men with him. This is already a first victory for the Madrid management, who wanted to restore order to a locker room that was imploding. Florentino Pérez and his teams also wanted the new strong man of Casa Blanca to help the team regain its best level and win titles. Regarding the proposed game, the Portuguese seems to have the same difficulties as its predecessors.
The residents of the Santiago-Bernabéu stadium rely on a squad rich in quality. But he is still unbalanced. The first matches confirmed this. Real Madrid is still counting on the miraculous saves of Thibaut Courtois, who is not sufficiently well protected by his defense. The midfield is not entirely satisfactory either. As for the attack, the stars struggle to coexist together despite their certain talent. Vinicius Jr is particularly tough. Kylian Mbappé scores but is still criticized for his lack of defensive involvement.
Real Madrid are disappointed not to have recruited a midfielder
The work is therefore still enormous for José Mourinho. The Lusitanian technician had also asked his management for an additional defender and a midfielder this summer of 2026. But his desires had not been orders. He had to give up on these two reinforcements. However, he was close to recruiting Rodri (30 years old). Departing for Manchester City, the midfielder ticked all the boxes for the Special One, namely an experienced, talented player capable of taking charge of the game and being a leader in midfield. Everything that the Madrilenians are missing, especially since the retirement of Toni Kroos then the transfer of Luka Modric to Milan. But ultimately, the midfielder, winner of the 2026 World Cup of which he was the MVP, turned around and decided to join Barça.
His exchanges with Hansi Flick and his fellow Spaniards at FCB made the difference. The atmosphere in the Merengue locker room would also have put Rodri off. A player who has already found his feet within the Catalan team (7 matches this season), of which he is one of the bosses in the middle. Enough to give Madrid regrets. Mundo Deportivo also assures this Wednesday that Casa Blanca believes it has a big problem in this position and that it is tearing its hair out after missing Rodri. A player who was unanimously appreciated by everyone and who is already shining at Barça. After this hiccup, Real Madrid did not look for a fallback solution. Which annoys people at the club. José Mourinho hopes to have the long-awaited player in January. Next summer at the latest.
