Former Real Madrid player, Álvaro Benito, recently spoke on SER radio about the club's recent match in Rome, in which the team lost 3-4 to Inter. According to Benito, the result reflects a “chronicle of a death foretold” and underlines the need for drastic changes to the squad and tactics if the club is to avoid repeating the same problems.
Benito recalled that Real Madrid “does not catch anyone by surprise” and that the defense is overwhelmed when the rivals manage to control the ball. “If you allow your rivals to get there so easily, some of them are going to hit you,” he said. The former player explained that the team's problems are not only due to poor squad configuration, but also to a lack of discipline and the inability of the players to execute their assigned defensive tasks.
The commentator pointed out that, although Real has a quality squad, “they could have a better-footed midfielder,” but that the lack of commitment of some players has been an obstacle. “If those at the top don't do their job, with Valverde and Tchouaméni against good teams it doesn't work for you,” he said. Benito added that pressure and intensity are essential to obtain results, and that the absence of key players in defense can be decisive in the Champions League.
Regarding José Mourinho's management, Benito explained that the coach has shown the logic behind his decisions. “He knows that he has players who are not defensive animals, that's why he thinks that if he doesn't put Tchouaméni and Valverde in the double pivot, the team will collapse,” he commented. In addition, he highlighted the importance of players like Bernardo or Güler in controlling the game and that “he does not give a single thread” in the messages he wants to convey.
Benito also praised Endrick, who showed very well in the first game on Sunday. "He deserved to play on Sunday. He is in very good physical shape for the little he has played. In 15 minutes he gave an exhibition, he knocked down the door," he said. According to the former player, Mourinho has a moral obligation to give the youngster opportunities and that, if he does not do so, the rest of the team could lose motivation.
Benito's comment highlights the urgency for Real Madrid to take concrete measures to improve their performance, both in the league and in the Champions League. With the season still underway, the club must decide whether to make the necessary adjustments to prevent the “death foretold” from becoming a reality.