Being a Real Madrid fan right now is exhausting. It's not just the results; this club has lived through empty seasons before, 2005-06, for example, which eventually gave way to a more inspiring 2006-07. That title-winning side, however, was deeply flawed: ageing stars, an injury-prone Ronaldo Nazario who could not outrun anyone, and a mediocre defensive line. What changed everything was Fabio Capello. A no-nonsense manager, he had the courage to confront the 'Galácticos', even benching Ronaldo and David Beckham. Those decisions were uncomfortable and unpopular, but they helped establish a serious level of play which ultimately dragged a mediocre squad to a La Liga trophy.
What has defined this team more than anything over the past year is arrogance. There is a sense that they genuinely believe the shirt will win the matches for them. Effort and intensity are often minimal. The attackers complain constantly, even though they barely contribute defensively. Imagine any of that happening under Capello, a manager who once disciplined and excluded players regardless of their status. Álvaro Arbeloa has been with Real Madrid for about twenty years, and he may be respected within the club, but he's a Florentino Pérez guy. It is really difficult to picture a long-time company man leading the cultural reset that this football team clearly needs.
There have already been signs of the stars' attitude and complacency being called out. Just a year ago, Thomas Tuchel said that his mother called Jude Bellingham's temperament on the pitch "a bit repulsive". Whether or not she actually said it, Tuchel clearly wanted that message out there. Then there's Kylian Mbappé, whose former coach, Luis Enrique, openly said his team was better without the French star because they no longer had to build everything around keeping one guy comfortable. And there's Vinicius Junior, who left the pitch visibly angry after being substituted while his side were winning El Clasico this past October. The problem isn't just limited to those three, by the way, but as the team's main talismans, they should set the standard.
But who instead of Arbeloa?
Real Madrid need another Capello. Certainly, the Italian will not pause his retirement for a football club he's already managed twice. So the realistic options become José Mourinho, Antonio Conte, perhaps Jurgen Klopp, if any of them would take the job while Pérez remains the president. Beyond trophies and reputation, Madrid need someone uncompromising. Someone who takes control of the dressing room the moment he walks into Valdebebas and puts an end to this player power culture. This is not to disrespect Arbeola. As a player, he was admired for doing the job, even if he was never the flashiest. It's just not the right timing.
This roster needs a manager who can look its stars in the eye and say, "you're not that guy." Unfortunately, for this to happen, this team will likely have to keep looking pathetic, and the current manager will have to be sacked. Madrid have been through this before; they can survive it again. This isn't Manchester United.
Nearly Alcorcon'ed again!
And we're off to a great start! As this is being written, Real Madrid have just lost to second-division Albacete Balombié. Hala Madrid.