The aims of preseason matches are to return players to fitness, give new players time to settle into the team, try new systems and determine the strengths and weaknesses of the squad. While preseason results are not to be taken too seriously, they are also useful indicators to know if a team is ready for the new season. And based on Real Madrid preseason results, the Spanish giants are far from ready for the new la liga season.
Zinedine Zidane was brought back towards the end of last season after disappointing performances under Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari. The season was already beyond redemption and Zidane's task was to plan ahead of the new season.
Madrid's acquisition of Luka Jovic, Ferland Mendy, Eden Hazard, Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes brought a lot of joy and enthusiasm to the fans. But that joy was cut short by Los Blancos performance in preseason matches. Madrid's showing in those preseason games leaves very little to be desired and suggests that another embarrassing season await the club.
July 20: Bayern Munich 3-1 Real Madrid
July 23: Real Madrid 2-2 Arsenal (3-2 pens.)
Jul 26: Real Madrid 3-7 Atletico Madrid
July 30: Real Madrid 0-1 Tottenham
July 31: Real Madrid 5-3 Fernerbache
Aug 7: Red Bull 0-1 Real Madrid
Aug 11: Roma 2-2 Real Madrid (5-4 pens)
The above are Madrid's preseason results with the highlight being the 7-3 defeat to Atletico Madrid. Zidane told the press after the match that he had no concerns about the team.
“I'm not concerned, but I'm hurt. You don't play to lose. But we can't be looking backwards, it was a bad game and now we have to focus on what went wrong so we can try and make sure it doesn't happen again in the next match," Zidane told the press.
Fast forward to end of preseason and it's clear Zidane now has concerns. For one, this Real Madrid team do not have a system in place. There is no clear playing style or philosophy. There are always spaces between the midfield and defence and a well executed through ball can easily leads to goalscoring opportunities for the opposition. Indeed, that's why Real Madrid conceded a whooping 17 goals in just 6 matches and Zizou is already trying to make Madrid concede less by implementing a 3-5-2 formation.
But Real Madrid problems cannot be fixed with a new formation. Key players like Modric, Marcelo and Ramos are on the wrong side of 30 and their best years are clearly behind them. Toni Kroos is a shadow of the midfiled maestro he used to be and Isco isn't playing his best football right now. The midfield is stale and needs a fresh injection of talent. Remove Hazard from the starting eleven and the squad is basically the same. You can't do the same thing over and over again and expect a different outcome.
A marquee midfield signing would revitalise Madrid's lifeless midfield and it's no secret Zidane wants Paul Pogba at the club. Manchester United however are unwilling to sell one of their best players. The English transfer window is already closed and there is literally no chance of signing Pogba, especially when United can't get a replacement.
It's time for Zidane to put a plan B in place quickly if he wants to avoid a disastrous season. And that plan B should involving signing players that will enter the starting eleven. Madrid at least needs a midfielder and an attacker. Talks for Ajax Van Beek has started and only time will tell if Madrid will sign him. While Van Beek won't exactly walk into the starting eleven, his signing would still be a great addition to the team.
Madrid has been linked to Neymar with the Brazilian wanting a transfer away from PSG. And Los Blancos must go all out to get him. This preseason has shown that Hazard may not be enough to carry Real Madrid and the Brazilian's arrival will bolster the team's attack. Moreover, it is important Real do everything in their power to stop Neymar's return to Barcelona.
Barcelona already signed Antoine Greizmann and Madrid might as well give up on la liga if they let Neymar join the Catalonia club.
Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez are two players that could star for Madrid next season but it is clear they are not in Zidane's plans. If Madrid can't get their targets, then Zidane must utilize the two of them.
The transfer window will close in the next couple of weeks and Madrid must make optimum use of it to sign reinforcements and prevent a turbulent season.
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