Time for change. That is undoubtedly the clear message to be drawn from Real Madrid’s poor season, which now sees them fighting for a league title that seems more than unlikely. Everything that could go wrong this season has gone wrong. Injuries have ravaged the team, especially in defense, there is a lack of direction in midfield, and the attackers are not on form.
With this scenario, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey have already fallen by the wayside, making it clear that it is time for change. The end of an era has arrived and it is time to renew or die. The main change seems to be coming on the bench with the departure of Carlo Ancelotti and the more than likely arrival of Xabi Alonso, but that is not the only change on the horizon.
Rodrygo, questioned in the Copa
A wasted opportunity. Both in the match against Athletic, which was a rehearsal, and in the Copa del Rey clash against Barça, Ancelotti opted to start with a 4-4-2 formation, forming a diamond in midfield and choosing a strike partnership instead of a front three.
With Kylian Mbappé out with an ankle injury that had already kept him out of the Athletic game, which he also missed through suspension, and Getafe, Ancelotti opted for Rodrygo in the starting line-up, who put in a poor performance that saw the Frenchman come on in the second half to revitalize the Merengue attack.
Rodrygo took the brunt of the criticism for his poor performance. During the Movistar+ broadcast, the Brazilian was singled out, as was his coach when he took him off at half-time. Maldini was clear with a “It’s so that Ancelotti gets angry with him,” referring to his poor performance, while Álvaro Benito highlighted his “apathetic” face and how he looked “out of the game” with his gestures.
The truth is that the first half of the Copa del Rey final ended without Rodrygo showing any signs of having turned up for the game at La Cartuja. Few balls reached the Merengue attack, but none of them passed through Rodrygo’s boots. His numbers at halftime spoke for themselves: 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 shots on goal, 0 shots attempted, 0 key passes, 0 successful crosses, and 5 turnovers.
An uncertain future at Real Madrid
With his poor performance this season, especially in recent weeks, more and more fingers are pointing at Rodrygo Goes to leave the Whites in the summer transfer window. He has no shortage of suitors, all of them from the Premier League. The latest club to join the bidding for the Brazilian is Chelsea, who are reportedly preparing an offer of €100 million. After interest from Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool (the latter seems to have pulled out of the race following the renewal of Salah’s contract), it is now the London club that is considering making an offer to the club and the player that could see him move on next season.
With the possibility of Real Madrid going all out to sign a number 9, and the more than likely arrival of Xabi Alonso to change the system, the Brazilian’s future is more uncertain than ever. In addition, a three-figure offer would give the Whites a lot of room for maneuver in the summer transfer market.
Gittens is liked, but there is competition
Faced with the possibility of the departure of some of its attacking players, Real Madrid is constantly scouting the market. According to Relevo, among the players they are following is Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. A 20-year-old who usually plays as a left winger but performs well on both sides of the attack. The player is currently with Borussia Dortmund.
According to Sky Deutschland, Chelsea has taken action with the aim of securing the services of this rising star. The Blues intend to seal the deal for €50-60 million, so Real Madrid will have to react quickly to keep the BVB gem.