Real Madrid News
Spanish manager criticises Real Madrid’s team spirit under Jose Mourinho — “They are not in control of matches”
Real Madrid returned to winning ways in LaLiga with a 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano. But it was a far from perfect performance from Jose Mourinho’s men.
The team looked out of place in the second half and simply did not look to have the same level of concentration.
The team’s inconsistent output has left many questioning the early days of Mourinho’s second stint at Real Madrid, with Spanish coach Abelardo being among the critics.
Abelardo voices his concern
Speaking to Movistar, Abelardo, who has managed teams like Sporting Gijon, Alaves and Espanyol in the past, questioned Real Madrid’s ability to control matches and the effort of their star-studded attack.
“Sometimes they loses control of the games. The other day it happened against Inter, which is true that they failed on numerous occasions, but did not take control of the match.
“With all the match Inter took them and then, when you play with such offensive players, Diomande, Vinicius, Mbappe and Bellingham himself, they have to work all,” he said (h/t Defensa Central).
The former defender then warned about the dangers such an approach can create against a brave, ball-playing side.
“When the team is split and you have a team like Rayo, which is also a brave team, which wants the ball, which is a team that is not hidden,” he added.
Papering over the cracks
Abelardo went on to highlight the risks posed by Real Madrid’s defensive frailties, suggesting the quality of their attackers often masks deeper problems.
“Rayo had a couple of occasions to get it to 3-2, and be careful, to see what would have happened, but in the end, it is the usual, Mbappe appears or you see what I just said above, they solve the game and they cover up,” he said.
It is a concern that Mourinho himself is well aware of, with the Portuguese having repeatedly stressed the importance of everyone defending as a unit.
The coach touched on that very topic after the win over Real Sociedad, explaining his philosophy on getting the most out of a talented group.
“In my career I have had the opportunity to coach teams with incredible players and I have also had the period of training good players, but not the top of the top.
“I always say that these people you have to teach them to play as a team and you have to teach them very little about the individual point of view,” Mourinho said.
Real Madrid now have a couple of tricky games before the first international break of the season. The team will meet Elche in midweek, followed by the big derby against Atletico Madrid next weekend.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid identify €60m-rated Brighton defender as potential 2027 transfer target – report
Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Brighton & Hove Albion defender Luka Vuskovic as they assess options to strengthen their defence ahead of the 2027 transfer windows.
According to Bernabeu Digital, the Croatian centre-back is among the players under consideration as Los Blancos plan for a potential defensive overhaul in the summer of 2027.
The interest comes as Real Madrid prepare for possible departures at centre-back.
On that note, Raul Asencio could be moved on, while Antonio Rudiger is expected to leave when his contract expires.
The club therefore wants to recruit at least one high-quality defender to reinforce the squad for the long term.
Vuskovic, whose market value, as per Transfermarkt, is estimated €60 million, is attracting attention from several major European clubs, although Brighton are understood to have no intention of selling the 19-year-old.
Luka Vuskovic emerges as Real Madrid transfer target
According to Bernabeu Digital, Real Madrid are monitoring Vuskovic as they search for a centre-back capable of strengthening their defensive options.
The Croatian has also attracted interest from Liverpool and Manchester United, while Tottenham are also keeping track of a player they sold last summer.
Understandably so, the competition for his signature could make any potential deal difficult, particularly with Brighton reluctant to part ways with the defender.
At Real Madrid, they are assessing several candidates, with their priority being to identify players who can provide quality and long-term stability.
Real Madrid consider two centre-back signings for 2027
As such, Real Madrid are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing in two centre-backs across the upcoming transfer windows.
Vuskovic is one potential option, while Alessandro Bastoni remains another name associated with the club’s defensive plans.
Bastoni was a target for Real Madrid last summer, and despite failing to land the Italian, his profile continues to fit the type of reinforcement being considered.
Notably, the potential exits of Asencio and Rudiger would leave Madrid needing fresh depth and experience at centre-back, and recruiting early could help the club avoid entering a transfer window without a clear succession plan.
