Rich people's problems: Which Real Madrid will we see this season? | User Content
Mourinho has returned to the Bernabeu with a promise to bring Real back to the top, but even before the start of the season it is clear that the squad is far from perfect: the goalkeeper question, the pursuit of Rodri, the congestion in the attack, and the ignoring of Castilla require quick solutions. Do you also have something to say? Send us columns to the address: kick@ynet.co.il
Real Madrid has officially begun preparations for the 2026/27 season. Jose Mourinho has returned to the coaching position after 13 years, accompanied by an entirely new staff, including Sami Khedira, and this time the expectations are significantly higher. After two years without titles and three coaching changes, several persistent problems remain.
The Goalkeeper Position
Thibaut Courtois returned from the USA in a humbled state. His injury and substitution in the semi-final against France have apparently signaled the end of his path as Belgium's first-choice goalkeeper. Real needs a goalkeeper at his best, and Andriy Lunin has not delivered since Courtois returned to the lineup ahead of the 2022 Champions League final. Lunin is struggling to find a new team that will grant him playing time. In such a situation, Real must urgently look for an experienced or talented goalkeeper.
Transfers
As befits a coach with a defensive orientation, Mourinho has invested mainly in defense. Marc Cucurella, the fresh world champion, is definitely an asset. Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate can compensate for the departures of David Alaba and Dani Carvajal. The exception is Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese midfielder, who served as an anchor at Manchester City, is expected to contribute to the Blancos' attack. However, Real wants Rodri. Acquiring the Spanish national team captain would be a game-changer for both the league and the Champions League.
Attack Density
Even after the expected sale of Diaz and Mastantuono, there is a surplus of players in the front line: Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, Vinicius (following chin surgery that completely changed his appearance), Endrick returning from loan, Brahim Diaz, and possibly Yann Diomande from Leipzig. It remains to be seen whether other players will assist Mbappe, or if he will again have to carry the entire team on his back—a scenario that has proven destructive in recent years.
The Reserve Team
It is sad to say, but Real Madrid continues to waste most of its Castilla players. Instead of developing the next generation, as Barcelona does, the club sells them almost for free and buys unsuitable players. It is like an excellent baker who, instead of serving his own cakes, goes to buy them at a neighborhood bakery. There are at least four players who proved their worth last season, and they must not be given up, even if Florentino Perez has to, figuratively speaking, "sell a kidney" to keep them.
In summary, Mourinho knows he has a massive task ahead. His reputation and that of Real are on the line, and there is no patience in Madrid—results are needed quickly. Either he provides them, or the next in line will have to deal with the complex situation.
