Lopetegui’s Departure Might Not Solve the Miseries of Real Madrid
For the first time in this century, Madrid has failed to score a goal in five straight games.
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Finally, the hiatus is over at Real Madrid. Julen Lopetegui has been sacked after the board of directors met on Monday to decide his fate at the club, a day after the team was crushed by Barcelona 5-1 at Camp Nou Stadium.
But the question still remains to be answered is that will the departure of Lopetegui change the fortune of the Madrid club.
Lopetegui’s disastrous spell at the Santiago Bernabeu, lasted for less than five months, which included 14 matches where he was in-charge, but can the blame for the debacle be put entirely on the coach.
The Real Madrid, which was such a well-oiled machinery till last season under Zinedine Zidane, and in presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, looks so aimless on the field this season.
Lopetegui’s departure can’t alone solve all the miseries that Real Madrid has called upon themselves since Ronaldo’s Juventus move.
Hapless Defence
Madrid’s problem at the backline is for all to see. Leaking goal and the absence of attacking full-backs Dani Carvajal and Marcelo has only added to the miseries of the side and Lopetegui, who has actually been toothless at the back.
Only a Sergio Ramos at back wasn’t enough to stop goals. The summer signing of Thibaut Courtois and his introduction didn’t stop the disarray in the Madrid half, under the new coach.
Varane continuing his poor form from the World Cup, has been responsible for many blunders in the box this season.
Loepetegui’s lack of faith in Alvaro Odriozola, has made him play Nacho at right back.
With continuous chopping and changes in the side, Lopetegui has found it difficult to come up with a cohesive unit. And Lopetegui’s idea of playing the defence higher up, hasn’t gone down well with the teammates who are finding it difficult to cope with combination.
No Sting in the Attack
This was expected with the departure of Ronaldo and Perez’s inability to lure Eden Hazard from Chelsea. But after good opening games, the side started losing the plot. Bale’s struggle with fitness and Benzema’s inability to up the ante, has hurt the Spanish giants badly.
Benzema has scored four goals in 10 games so far, with his last goal coming before September 1. Bale also hasn’t scored since finding the back of the net thrice in the first few games.
Marco Asensio has also failed to live up to his potential, scoring only once in 10 games.
The Madrid attack has been so listless that, for the first time in this century, the side has failed to score a goal over a span of five games. The goal drought lasted from 22 September to 6 October while the win-less streak started from 15 September.
The lack of co-ordination among the forwards is evident as absence of Ronaldo looms large.
No Replacement For Ronaldo
The void left by Ronaldo’s departure is yet to be filled. Perez and Co did try to pursue Eden Hazard but had to return empty-handed.
Though Madrid made some promising buys during the season break, but they were long way away from the previous Galactico standard, which was a norm under Perez.
Even Madrid’s summer purchase of Courtois, Odriozola and Mariano have failed to leave a mark up till now.
It is high-time Madrid decides to go back to their old ways and break the bank to bring Hazard to Santiago Bernabeu.
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