Spanish manager criticises Real Madrid’s team spirit under Jose Mourinho — “They are not in control of matches”
· Yahoo Sports
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.
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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
Is Mourinho’s team lacking intent? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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.
Several question marks for Mourinho’s Real Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
“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.