€80 Million For Alvaro Morata!!!!

By El Maestro

On Wednesday, Real Madrid confirmed the transfer of Alvaro Morata to Chelsea FC. Morata will replace Diego Costa as the club’s leading striker with the Spanish-Brazilian forward not being included in Antonio Conte’s plans for the upcoming season. Although Conte and Morata have not worked together, Conte did spend a summer or two trying to sign the Spanish striker when he was managing Juventus.

Having come up Real Madrid’s La Fabrica academy, Morata played two seasons with the first team where he came off the bench in Madrid’s Champions League Final victories in Lisbon and Cardiff. He also played two seasons for Italian giants Juventus where he started and scored in the 2015 Champions League Final; as well as scoring twice in the semi-finals against Real Madrid.

That being said, Morata’s transfer leaves €80 Million in Madrid’s bank account. A lot of money for a player that was backup last year to Benzema and in his second season with Juventus after the club signed Mario Mandžukić and Paulo Dybala. I’m not criticizing Chelsea for paying that huge amount because it’s how the market is, especially when 18-year old Kylian Mbappé is being linked with a €120+ million move away from AS Monaco. Regardless, it is yet another piece of business by Florentino Perez.

I don’t know how Florentino does it, but he somehow is able to get these kind of deals done. Just this summer, despite the transfer window still being open and Kylian Mbappé being linked to the club, Real Madrid have made a profit of €55 million from their signings and departures.

Signings:

• The Hernandez – €30 million
• Dani Ceballos – €17 million
• Jesus Vallejo – €5 million

Total Spent – €52 million

Departures:

• James Rodriguez – €10 million (loan fee)
• Mariano Diaz – €8 million
• Diego Llorente – €6 million
• Burgui – €3 million
• Pepe – Free transfer
• Coentrao – Loan
• Alvaro Morato – €80 million

Total Sum – €107 million

Real Madrid will even receive compensation for James Rodriguez at the end of his loan spell, regardless of whether Bayern Munich decide to use the option to buy him or not. Florentino Perez may have haters in the Spanish media, but if there is some he knows to do, it’s how to run a business.

Are Real Madrid Already Better Than Last Season?

By El Maestro

It may seem like a crazy question, especially after a double title winning season and just starting the preseason, but does Real Madrid already have a stronger squad than last season? Let’s look at Madrid’s summer signings and departures up to this point.

Departures:

• Pepe
• James
• Mariano
• Burgui
• Diego Llorente
• Coentrao

Signings and returned loanees:

• Theo Hernandez – Signing
• Dani Ceballos – Signing
• Jesus Vallejo – Signing and returned loanee
• Marcos Llorente – Returned loanee
• Borja Mayoral – Returned loanee

Real Madrid may have lost Pepe to free agency, but they replace him with 20-year old Jesus Vallejo who is already regarded as one of the best young center backs in the world. Having signed from Real Zaragoza in 2015, Vallejo returns from his successful loan spell in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt where he help them reach the German Cup Final. Not to mention he was one of Spain’s best players in this summers U-21 Euro Cup.

Staying in defense, Real Madrid finally get a replacement for Marcelo adding 19-year old Theo Hernandez from city rivals Atletico Madrid. Despite never playing for Atletico, Theo had an outstanding season during his loan stint at Alaves and even attracted interests from other top clubs, like Barcelona and Liverpool. Speaking of replacements and Alaves, youth teamer Marcos Llorente returns from his loan spell to fight for the defensive midfield position with Casemiro. Both Theo and Llorente were regular starters at the Basque club and helped them finish 9th in the La Liga table and reach the Copa del Rey Final.

On the offensive side of the midfield, Real Madrid lose James Rodriguez to Bayern Munich, but replace him with Dani Ceballos from Betis and who was arguably the best player for Spain at the U-21 Euro Cup. The switch in hindsight is actually better for Madrid as they had a traditional midfielder to the team. James did well in the midfield, but he was an attacking midfielder. In fact, for the last two seasons, Madrid’s only backup midfielder was Mateo Kovacic. For those of you thinking about Asensio and Isco, they too are attacking midfielders. With Dani Ceballos, Real Madrid add a young midfielder who is a proper replacement for Modric and Kroos.

Not to mentioned that we’re only midway through the summer transfer period and anything can still happen. While the club had added some key additions, players like Danilo and Morata have strongly been linked away from the club. Not to mention that Borja Mayoral will probably get loaned out again in search of minutes. The Cristiano situation looks to have calmed down in recent weeks and will probably continue with the team, but Madrid need to keep an eye out in the market in case there are any additional departures.

That being said, on paper Real Madrid have arguably a better team than last season. Before, Madrid didn’t have a natural replacements for each player and needed to rely on some people to play multiple positions. This season, however, there is a natural replacement for each player.

2016/2017:

Keylor Navas/Kiko Casilla/Rubén Yáñez

Carvajal/Danilo   Ramos/Pepe   Varane/Nacho   Marcelo/Nacho

Modric/Kovacic   Casemiro/Kovacic   Kroos/James

              Bale/Isco/Lucas Vazquez   Benzema/Morata/Mariano   Cristiano/Asensio

2017/2018:                                                                                                                       * Uncertain

Keylor Navas/Kiko Casilla/Rubén Yáñez

Carvajal/Danilo*   Ramos/Vallejo   Varane/Nacho   Marcelo/Theo 

Modric/Kovacic   Casemiro/Llorente   Kroos/Ceballos

             Bale/Isco/Lucas Vazquez   Benzema/Morata*/Mayoral*   Cristiano/Asensio

 

 

Pepe Leaves On A Sour Note

By El Maestro

What an interesting turn of events. Originally, I was going to write about Real Madrid’s incredible season, but I’ll have to leave that for another day. Just 72 hours after winning their 12th Champions League title, the club is fighting a public relations battle after some very negative comments from long-time club central back Pepe.

In an interview with Spanish radio station El Partidazo de Cope, Pepe was critical of the way the club managed his personal situation, saying:

“There are ways of talking and negotiating. Real Madrid’s behavior has not been correct. The club did not defend me with the tax issue. They knew I was up to date and had no problem.”

“That hurt me, as I always fulfilled my obligations, and they made me understand I was not valued…I don’t want to blame anyone. What he [Zinedine Zidane] is doing for Madrid is spectacular, but there are things I still don’t understand.”

“I cannot explain to you why I disappeared from the team in the last games. With Zidane we did not say goodbye properly. Zidane and Madrid knew I was going before I did.”

When asked to pick the manager he liked working with the most during his time at Real Madrid, Pepe didn’t respond with Bernd Schuster, Juande Ramos, Manuel Pellegrini, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti or Zidane — managers he’s worked under at Real since 2007. His answer may surprise you:

“I like Rafa Benitez’s sincerity, I identify myself with him because he is a person who is direct and honest.”

Pepe has had an extremely successful career at Real Madrid. With his contract expiring this summer, he leaves the club with the following honors:

• 3 Champions League titles
• 3 La Liga titles
• 2 Copa del Rey titles
• 2 Supercopa de Espanas
• 1 UEFA Super Cup
• 2 FIFA Club World Cups

That being said, it hasn’t always been a rosy time for Pepe at the club. Early on, many in the Spanish press criticized him for being too aggressive and, at times, out of control. One infamous night in 2009 against Getafe saw Pepe completely lose the plot after kicking Francisco Casquero in the back, resulting in a straight red card and a 10-match ban.

That heavy criticism continued during the Mourinho era. He was red carded after a dangerous challenge on Dani Alves in the 2010-11 Champions League semifinal, stood on Lionel Messi’s hand and even accidentally kicked his own teammate, Alvaro Arbeloa, thinking it was the player from the opposing team that had originally fouled him.

Despite all this, the perception of Pepe has changed radically over the last three or four seasons as he’s become an emotionally stable and consistent player. Ironically, he’s only been sent off four times in his entire Real Madrid career, and he’s only been given one straight red card. That’s 18 red cards less than Sergio Ramos, who is already the player with the most red cards in Madrid’s history.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time that Pepe has publicly criticized someone at the club. In Mourinho’s last season at Real Madrid, Pepe fell out with his fellow Portuguese counterpart after losing his spot to 19-year-old Raphaël Varane, and he publicly criticized the manager for his treatment of club captain Iker Casillas. It was Mourinho who had defended him through thick and thin and who had even convinced Florentino Perez to renew his contract.

Interesting enough, it was after his betrayal of Mourinho that Pepe’s image amongst the Spanish press improved. Being less criticized and even defended for his style of play by the same Spanish journalist that had previously wanted to kick him out of the country.

As Real Madrid fans, we should all appreciate Pepe for his hard work and dedication during the 10 seasons he spent at the club. However, the manner in which he’s leaving is something that will leave a sour taste in all our mouths.

Make It 33!

By El Maestro

It’s finally confirmed; Real Madrid are officially La Liga Champions for the 33rd time in the club’s history. It’s been a long road and at times and at times it looked like it wouldn’t happen, but Madrid finally brought home the La Liga title for the first time since the 2011/2012 season.

A journey that started back in August with a 0-3 away victory against Real Sociedad, Real Madrid won it’s opening 4 league encounters before facing their first hurdles. They drew three straight fixtures; two at home against Villarreal and Eibar, and one away at Las Palmas. However, Real Madrid recovered from that and returned to winning ways hammering Betis 1-6 away. In fact, after the week 7 draw to Eibar, Madrid would win 10 of the 12 remaining first round fixtures; including a 0-3 hammering of Atletico Madrid in the Vicente Calderon. They drew 1-1 to Barcelona in the Camp Nou and suffered their first lost of the season in all competitions 2-1 away at Sevilla.

More issues arrose in the second half of the season after a defeat away to Valencia, a home draw to Las Palmas, and coming back to beat Villarreal away 2-3 after being down 2-0 in the second half. After a 1-1 draw at home to Atletico Madrid, the league title looked to be in Barcelona’s hands who would depend solely on themselves if they beat Malaga later that day. However, Barcelona would go on to lose to Malaga, keeping the title in Madrid’s hands and ending the league lead to three points.

The last minute lost in el Clasico was hard, but not a crushing blow as Real Madrid were still in the driving seat if they went on to win their remaining league fixtures. It wasn’t easy and it required some important late goals to beat the likes of Valencia, Sevilla, and Celta. But Real Madrid won its remaining six fixtures, including the one against Malaga on Sunday, to clinch La Liga. Despite all the ups and downs, Real Madrid persevered and stayed mentally strong to win La Liga.

Now it’s time to on the Champions League Final in Cardiff on June 3rd.

33 LIGAS! HALA MADRID!

 

Easy Votes at the Expense of Real Madrid

By El Maestro

On Sunday, the game that was suppose to see Celta Vigo take on Real Madrid the Estadio de Balaidos was postponed as a result of stadium concerns. Extreme weather on the Friday before the game had caused some damages to Celta’s home stadium and after a report presented by Vigo’s City Council, Balaidos was not deemed safe for the game to go on.

However, since the game was postponed, all the focus has been on Real Madrid and Vigo’s Mayor Abel Caballero. A battle that was started on Monday by Mr. Caballero and has continued through Tuesday when he said he was disappointed by Real Madrid’s behavior, and even accused them of being arrogant and inconsiderate of the dangerous conditions.

https://twitter.com/elchiringuitotv/status/828624719087796224

Something that prompted a response from “los Blanco” who slammed Vigo’s Mayor by virtually calling him a liar and saying his claims were completely false.

https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/828695411766489088

Opportunism at its Fullest:  

In terms of the game being postponed, there is nothing to argue. Vigo’s City Council made a report stating the potential liability and it was wise to cancel the game. In fact, it was Abel Caballero who announced on Saturday afternoon that the game would not be played. Even though the league office didn’t officially cancel the match until later that evening.   

Regardless, Abel Caballero’s behavior this week was nothing more than an opportunity for him to reinforce his political image. He claims that Real Madrid tried pressuring the city to play the game at any cost. Something that, as previously stated by Madrid, is completely false. Not just that, no one at club, from Florentino Perez to Zidane to the players, has even said anything publicly in regards to Sunday’s postponed fixture.

So why would Abel Caballero make a big deal about this? It has nothing to do with media reports, closed door conversations, or public statements.

Very simple, it’s all a political stunt. By challenging Real Madrid, Spain’s most successful and hated football club, he is:

1. Winning easy votes.
2. Strengthening his political image amongst fellow colleagues.  
3. Gaining some global awareness.

Quick Memo:

If Celta Vigo really wanted to play the game, they would have done everything in their power to fix the stadium damages. Maybe the game still wouldn’t have been played, but they would have worked until the last minute to play the game.

How Good is Zidane the Manager?

By El Maestro

The 3-0 victory over Real Sociedad on Sunday have been able to license some critics, especially after increasing the league gap to 4 points after both Sevilla and Barcelona dropped points over the weekend (both now leveled with 42 points). Regardless, questions are still being asked about Zidane as a manager after Madrid’s previous poor run of results that included 1 win in 5 games (not including Sunday’s win) and being eliminated from the Copa del Rey last Wednesday to Celta Vigo. It may seem ridiculous to pose this question after Zidane’s recent success, but I think It is something that should be asked. 

Is Zidane really a great coach or just a figurehead in the locker room? What does it actually mean to be a great coach or figurehead?

Great Coach:

• Tactical awareness and reading of the game.
• Able to make tough decisions.
• Man manager.

Figurehead:

• Given into the core players.
• Inconsistency with meritocracy.
• Struggle to make tough decisions.

This is a personal opinion and it pains me to say it because I have a lot of respect and admiration for Zidane, but unfortunately I think he falls more under the second category. People will point to the 3 titles he’s won in 2016, the 40 game unbeaten streak, and Madrid’s current position in the league table. That’s true, but I could also name a number of coaches that had similar success at big clubs and then did very little after leaving those teams.

• Vicente Del Bosque: Won 2 La Liga and Champions League titles, but only had one coaching stint after leaving Real Madrid in 2003 and being hired by the Spanish national team in 2008. That only coaching stint was in 2004 with Besiktas where he was sacked before the end of the season.  
  
• Frank Rijkaard: Won two La Liga titles and one Champions League trophy with Barcelona. Despite his success, his only coaching position since leaving the “azulgranas” have been one season with Galatasaray and two years with the Saudi Arabian national team.
• Roberto Di Matteo: Won the Champions League in 2012 with Chelsea, but was then fired early on the following season. Since then, he coached Schalke 04 for one year and took over Aston Villa in the summer before getting the sack in early October.  

Zidane does deserve credit for what he’s done with Real Madrid up to this point, but he’s also managing a team that is considered by many one of the three best teams in the world. Real Madrid can win 90% of their games on talent only and without Zidane having to showcase his coaching skills. However, when Madrid go up against a well organized side and can’t rely solely on their talent, that’s where Zidane shows his tactical limitations.

When it comes to reading the game and making the necessary changes, a lot of his substitutions are mostly like for like and are sometimes made too late in the game. Let’s use last Wednesday’s game against Celta Vigo. Real Madrid needed to score two goals, but were struggling to create many opportunity and were being outmatched in midfield. Despite this, not just did Zidane not make a change at halftime, he didn’t make his first substitution until about the 75th minute of the second half. It wasn’t even a tactically, he just made a like for like switch taking off Marco Asensio for Lucas Vazquez.  

He has shown some great man management skills and all the players have backed him publicly, but Zidane is so close that it almost looks like he’s given into the core players and even the media; affecting his ability to make tough decisions. This doesn’t mean that the likes of Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Cristiano, etc are the ones running the show, but that Zidane’s idea of keeping the locker room happy and friendly may be by showing full confidence in the core players. It’s not a bad idea, but what do you do if they continue to struggle and those on the bench are actually doing better? Something that has shown to cause a divide in dressing rooms around the world between regular starters and bench players. What are some current examples of this?

• Cristiano Ronaldo: It’s evident that he doesn’t have the speed he use to have, but Zidane continues to put him on the left wing because that Ronaldo’s favorite position. Something that the Frenchman has admitted publicly to the press. Even though his best games this season have been playing as a number 9 strikers.
  
  
• Number 9 Striker: I found this interesting statistic last week before the return leg against Celta Vigo and it will alarm a lot of people.
  • Benzema: 1 goal every 136 minutes
  • Morata: 1 goal every 126 minutes
  • Mariano: 1 goal every 44 minutes
    
  • Yet Mariano can barely get a game under Zidane. Is it his trust in Bezema and Morata or the fact that he’s afraid of the locker room’s and/or media reaction even if he plays Mariano in front of Morata?

• Goalkeeping Situation: Keylor Navas was key in Real Madrid’s success last season, but he hasn’t been the same this campaign since returning from his injury. He’s made several notable mistakes that have put Madrid in bad situations, has conceded many soft goals that could have easily been stopped, and his areal play has been off and struggles to come off his line. Not to mention that Kiko Casilla has done a very good job this season every time he’s been called to action, especially in the cup tournament this month where he’s made some crucial saves to keep Real Madrid alive in the games. Navas has still been solid in goal this season and isn’t currently a liability for the team. However, if he continues to struggle and starts becoming a liability, will Zidane have what it takes to sit Navas in favor of Casilla.
• 2015/2016 Season: It all ended well for Zidane last season, but let’s not forget that his coaching tenure started off by playing all the creative playmakers (CR7, Benzema, Bale, Modric, Kroos, James, and Isco) and leaving out a holding midfielder. A change he made two months later after some injuries and poor player performances made him have to start Casemiro. From that moment on, the team was more balanced and played better.  

Good things to point out:   

Despite some of these issues, there are some good things Zidane has managed very well.

1. Getting Ronaldo to rest more often this season in order for him to be better physically fit in the final stretch of the season.
2. His handling of James Rodriguez. At times it hasn’t been perfect, but Zidane has been able to get a good version out of the Colombian this season.  
3. Has slightly improved tactically this season, which we saw in the Madrid Derby in November and even properly executing a 3-5-2 formation. Something that has not gone unnoticed and even received praise from fellow colleagues Jorge Sampaoli and Eduardo Berizzo.

Zidane still is a young manager learning the trait. Up to now he’s done a very good job, but he needs to improve on these weaknesses if he wants to manage Real Madrid for many years. He already has good man management skills, but now he has to improve on his tactical awareness and decision making if he wants to become an even better coach.

 

James Drops the Bombshell

By El Maestro

After the 4-2 victory over Kashima Antlers in the FIFA Club World Cup Final, you would think everyone would be talking about Madrid’s amazing year that included three international titles; nope. All the attention shifted to James Rodriguez’s post match comments saying that he couldn’t guarantee he would continue with Real Madrid and wanted to play more. James’ situation has been interesting since the arrival of Rafa Benitez last season. He wasn’t a starter under Benitez, Zidane took over and put him back in the 11, then dropped him, and now James is sometimes not even one of the three substitutes that comes on. A decision that at times has been highly criticized in his native Colombia and rumors have even circulated that there may be a personal reason behind.

There is no evidence to prove that, but no manager would be stubborn enough to throw stones at someone else’s glass house. Zidane isn’t going to bench a top class player that cost Real Madrid $107 million for some kind of personal reason. If James isn’t a regular starter, the only person he has to blame is himself.

What to do?

Personally, I think if James wants to leave and there is a good offer on the table, Real Madrid should sell him right now in January for four reasons:

1. Real Madrid won the transfer ban appeal: The Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced Madrid’s transfer ban from two windows to one. Real Madrid will only be sanctioned for the upcoming transfer window in January.
   
2. Deep squad: Real Madrid have a deep enough squad to replace James. Players like Lucas Vazquez, Isco, Asensio, and Kovacic are already getting more playing time than James. Even if Real Madrid are eying a replacement for James, they could always make the signing now and loan him out for the next six months.
3. Market value decreases: Despite his recent struggles, James is still recognized as a world class player. There is a reason Real Madrid paid so much money for him. Regardless, his market value goes down the more time he spends on the bench. Not to mention there are two notable teams that will be eager to bring in a player of his class on board once the window opens: Chelsea and Manchester United. Chelsea will need to replace the departure of Oscar to China and Manchester United are desperate to bring in more top talent to strengthen the squad. Along with the fact that neither team is playing Champions League football this season, there may be a good opportunity for Florentino Perez to regain the money invested in James. If a good offer is presented, Madrid should move forward with the deal.
4. Not sure what Zidane is doing: Zidane’s management of James Rodriguez has been a little peculiar since taking over. James might come off the bench for a couple of games, then get a few starts, return to the bench, doesn’t play for a week or two, and then starts the most important game of the season. Just look at Madrid’s last 13 league and international fixtures:

• Legia Warsaw: Starter
• Athletic Bilbao: Did Not Play
• Deportivo Alaves: Did Not Play
• Legia Warsaw: Did Not Play
• Leganes: Substitute
• Atletico Madrid: Substitute
• Sporting de Portugal: Did Not Play
• Sporting Gijon: Starter
• Barcelona: Did Not Play
• Borussia Dortmund: Starter
• Deportivo de La Coruña: Starter
• Club America: Substitute
• Kashima Antlers: Did Not Play

At times, it almost looks like Zidane is confused with how to manage James while  already playing Cristiano, Benzema, and Bale in the starting 11. It’s normal to leave players out when they are struggling with form, but it’s not common for a coach to start a player in the team’s most important international game (Borussia Dortmund) when he was left on the bench just a few days earlier in the most important league fixture (Barcelona) of the season. Regardless, if Zidane doesn’t figure out what to do with James on the field, then it would probably be best to cash in when January comes around.    

  

  

 

Lack of Attitude My Ass

By El Maestro

What do Zidane and a broken record have in common: they both repeat things over and over. Hearing Zidane’s post game press conferences this season after Madrid draw reminds me of the 1993 movie Groundhog Day where Phil Connors (played by Bill Murray) wakes up every morning on the same February 2nd day to the same song and radio transmission. This season, every time Real Madrid has dropped points, Zidane has used the same excuses.

• Lack of attitude.
• Lack of Intensity.
• Lack of focus.
• Lack of energy.
• Etc.

I understand that Zidane is trying not single out any of his players, but the reason behind Madrid’s struggles is very simple. It’s not a lack of attitude or the fact that the star players have a guaranteed place in the starting 11 each week. It’s the fact that there is a lack of balance in the team. Where does that balance lie: holding midfield position. In other words, since Casemiro has been injured, the team has lost its shape. Of course you still need your best players in defense and attack, but a holding midfielder is what gives a team its balance between defense and attack. A holding midfielder takes pressure off the defense, allows the attacking midfielders to be creative, and let’s the forwards focus more on attacking.

I find it funny how so many fans can fall for the “lack of attitude” argument. Lack of attitude can occur with big clubs when they take on more moderate teams, but only on a few occasions. Once the same negative results are repetitive, then the problem must surely be somewhere else. Let’s think about, how can the same group of Madrid players have little motivation to beat a strong Villarreal side (4th last season) in the Santiago Bernabeu (ended 1-1), and yet find that lost inspiration to thrash Legia Warsaw at that same venue. If it is a lack of attitude, then Zidane is a bad coach or these players are the worst professionals of all time, which I don’t think is the case. When Barcelona or Bayern Munich won the treble, do people think they won it simply because they had better attitude than the other team, NO! It’s because they were well balanced and organized, which allowed them to play better than their opponents. We can even use Real Madrid’s Zidane team from last season as an example. During Zidane’s first two months in charge, Madrid wasn’t playing well and had dropped 7 points to Betis, Malaga, and Atletico Madrid. It was also during that time that I heard the same excuses of lack of attitude, intensity, etc. It all changed in early March when Casemiro was included in the starting 11. From that moment on, the team regained its balance and were playing much better. Ironically, I didn’t hear the old excuses of “lack of attitude” from that point on. The holding midfielder is more important than people think, but don’t ask me. Just look at some of the top teams across Europe: Bayern Munich (Xabi Alonso), Barcelona (Busquets), PSG (Krychowiak), Manchester City (Fernandinho), Atletico Madrid (Gabi)

However, the problem is not that Casemiro isn’t playings, it’s the fact that there is no one to replace him. Zidane is still determine to put Kroos in that position, but he’s shown on numerous occasions he can’t play as a holding midfielder. The only midfielder that is a better fit in that position is Kovacic. He’s not a natural holding midfielder, but he can do the job very well. The other option would be to put one of the center backs in that position, though it won’t be possible now because of the injuries. Regardless, Zidane still continues to put Toni Kroos as a holding midfielder. Let’s just hope two things:

1. Casemiro get’s back soon.
2. Zidane comes to his senses and signs another holding midfielder in January (hoping FIFA doesn’t uphold the transfer ban on Madrid).

HALA MADRID!!!

 

2 Games, 6 Out Of 6

By El Maestro

La Liga is only two weeks in and there is already a lot to talk about, apart from the two front runners being undefeated. Atletico Madrid only have 2 points, Valencia are in last place, Alaves and Leganes have picked up points in each their games, and Las Palmas is surprisingly 1st in the table scoring 9 goals and only conceding 3 (hammering Valencia and Granada in the process). Lots to talk about, but I’m here only to talk about Madrid’s start to La Liga.

It’s only been two games, but Real Madrid has had a great start to La Liga. A fantastic 0-3 victory against Real Sociedad in San Sebastian and a hard fought win in the Bernabeu versus Celta. Many will say they were expected wins, but it’s alway important to start the league campaign on the right foot. In fact, this is only the third time in seven seasons that Madrid’s won it’s opening two fixtures. They say it’s always better to finish a season strong, but every point in a league title race is important whether it’s August or May. If you don’t believe me, we can just turn to last season where we lost the league by one point, dropping 4 points in the first five games of the season. Not saying that’s the only reason Madrid lost, because we also dropped other important points throughout the year, but it shows how important it is to start well a league campaign. But enough about enough about league statistics, let’s talk about our team’s performance.

As I said before, Real Madrid opened the season with an outstanding performance in the north of Spain. Despite injuries to CR7, Pepe, Navas, Modric and Benzema, it only took Bale 73 seconds to open the scoring with a powerful header after a great cross by Carvajal. Bale added a second towards the end and Asensio scored his first La Liga goal wearing the white jersey with a fabulous chip. However, what I really enjoyed was the overall performance by the entire team. Not since Mourinho’s second season had I seen Madrid open a league season with an organized and consistent performance.

Something I can’t say about Madrid home opener a this past weekend. Berizzo came with a great game plan and had his Celta side well organized. Even after falling 1-0 behind with Morata scoring his first Madrid goal, Celta didn’t shy away and stuck to their game plan. Leading to Orellana’s equalizer minutes later. Despite the bad performance, Madrid didn’t panic by going all out in attack (big team going after the small team), kept the the defensive and midfield shape, and managed to grind out a win with a fantastic goal by Toni Kroos. Not a pretty game, but what’s important is that Real Madrid has 6 points out of a possible 6 (tied with Las Palmas and Barcelona).

Player Grades:

Casilla, B+: Hasn’t had much to do, but he’s been solid and consistent. Made some mistakes against Celta, but had good performances in the European Super Cup against Sevilla and the La Liga opener.

Carvajal, A+: Like Casilla, struggled at the weekend, but I’m not going to let that overshadow his good start to the season. I don’t know if he took lessons from Arbeloa this summer, but his defending has improved drastically. Adding already to his important attacking ability as a right back.

Varane & Ramos, A: Both have done well as a partnership. Varane seems to be regaining his old form he had under Mourinho and Ramos hasn’t been red carded yet (we can consider that a miracle).

Marcelo, B-: The weakest link. I’m probably being nice by giving him a B-, but he’s struggled early on. Most of the attacks come through his side and he’s struggled to stay organized. Hopefully he’ll improve after the international break.

Casemiro, A+: Started the season the same way he finished last year. The most underrated player on this team and the key to Madrid’s success last season. With his performances, he’s surely one of the best holding midfielders in the world.

Kroos, A+: He’s had a big influence not just in attack, but helping the team in defense.

Kovacic, A+: I give an A+ not just for his performances, but also for his work ethic and determination. It’s been rumored this entire summer that he was going to be loaned out or sold, but he cut his vacation days short after playing Euro 2016 with Croatia to start the preseason from day one and impress Zidane. His hard work has paid off and Zidane has rewarded him with starts in the Super Cup and league opener.

Morata, A-: I’ll give him an A for effort. He does have a good work rate, but he needs to improve on his finishing.

Bale, A+: Like last season, he stepping up with Cristiano and Benzema still injured.

Asensio, A++: It’s not a mistake nor am I exaggerating. While many youngsters get carried away, he’s come in by working hard in training and not saying a word. He’s been able to manage the pressure that comes with Real Madrid and has repaid Zidane’s confidence in him with two world class goals. I’m enjoying his performances and hopefully he won’t let the media attention get to his head.

Modric, A-: He’s only played one game, but he looked like his usual self. Let’s hope he avoids any injuries during the international fixtures.

Reserve Players: There have only been four players that have come on as substitutions. They all get passing grades, but just some key points about them.

James: Has done very well when he’s come on and seems to be getting back to his old self. Don’t be surprise if Zidane starts him after the break.

Lucas: Hasn’t changed since last season. Doesn’t complain, consistent when he comes on, good in attack and defense, and always hard working. Traits that all Real Madrid fans enjoy seeing.

Isco: He’s becoming more direct and not stalling the play like he use to during his first two seasons.

Mariano: He played less than 20 minutes against Celta, but he’s showing great hunger and desire that every youth teamer needs. He’s taken advantage of his opportunities during the preseason, scored 2 goals, and has even shown better movements on the field than Morata. Now the question is whether he can do in the regular season and the minutes he will play.

Now time for the international break. Let’s hope no one gets injured and the team doesn’t lose its form when La Liga kicks up again in two weeks.

HALA MADRID! 

 

Rafa Benitez

By El Maestro

Since I’ve been out for some time, I would like express my full opinion about Rafa Benitez’s tenure as Real Madrid manager. Especially because the last article I wrote about him in 2015 was me putting all my faith in him. Unlike many, I was all in favor of his signing after the club decided to sack Carlo Ancelotti. I knew Benitez was known as a defensive coach and many felt he wasn’t the same manager that won the Champions League in 2005 with Liverpool. However, there were two things that even his critics praised him for:

1. Considered one of the best tactical managers in the world.
2. Known for instilling discipline in all his team.

Two things that Real Madrid lacked under Carlo Ancelotti. I know that the players were happy with Ancelotti and Benitez is not known for his personal touch, but to me it raises red flags when a team is extremely happy with their current manager; especially after a trophyless season. I was happy with Benitez’s beginnings at the club and it even reminded me of when Mourinho first arrived (though he would not be happy with that comparison). Upon arriving in Madrid, he started working his first day instead of taking a lengthy vacation. He stayed a full week at the training ground, monitored everything at the club, and even spoke to some of the key players in the dressing room. He was giving me some good impressions and I felt the club was going in the right direction. I could care less about whether the players liked him or not as long as the team was winning and playing consistently.

The start of the season looked promising. They weren’t playing well, but the inclusion of Casemiro in the holding midfielder position gave the team a defensive stability that made them hard to break down. He was even using meritocracy to reward hard workers like Lucas Vazquez, Kovacic and Nacho. As well as benching out of form players such as James and Isco. It all looked well until that dark day in November when el Clasico came around. The day I realized Rafa Benitez wasn’t even the same manager that coached Napoli. It wasn’t the 0-4 defeated the condemned Benitez, but his pants dropping moment when he benched Casemiro to fit in James, Benzema, Bale, and Cristiano in the lineup. As a result, the team lost it’s stability and we all had to watch as Barcelona ran wild in the Bernabeu. After that game, everyone knew his days as Real Madrid manager were numbered and eventually led to his sacking in early January.

Zero Dignity:

Rafa Benitez is a coach with years of experience and has managed several top teams (Valencia, Liverpool, Inter, Chelsea, and Napoli). He’s won a Champions League, two La Liga titles, one UEFA trophy, and many more. However, the thing that surprised me the most about his time in Madrid was the little dignity he came and left with. One thing is to arrive the day of your presentation crying and give special treatment to Cristiano. It’s a completely different thing for an experienced world class manager like him to drop his pants and give in to his players, the president, and the media. To put it in better terms, Benitez was a rich man that went broke and then won the lottery. Instead of taking advantage of that second chance, he spent it all and threw it all away again. He was hired after failing to qualify Napoli for the Champions League, tried it his way, realized it wasn’t working, thought it would be better to give in to the players/president/media, and found himself back on the streets. On top of that, he had the nerve to call out Florentino after being sacked when he was saying there was a campaign against him just a month earlier. His lost ways were ultimately shown months later when he took over Newcastle in March and failed to keep them in the Premier League, adding relegation to his impressive coaching resume. Regardless, I don’t hold any grudge on Rafa and I hope he is able to bring Newcastle back to the Premier League, but his time in Madrid was simply a huge disappointment.

Positive Note:

I will say this about Rafa. Even though his managerial stint was disappointing, la Undécima was won on some of his early ideas. Casemiro was starting again, Lucas Vazquez had a more important role, and James and Isco were coming off the bench.

Who first decided to start Casemiro? Rafa Benitez

Who signed and gave Lucas Vazquez his early chances to play? Rafa Benitez

Who saw that James and Isco were not in good form? Rafa Benitez

P.S. –  I was not wrong when I said Benitez would succeed in Madrid because the real Rafa Benitez never showed up!