Real Madrid’s recent defeat to Lille has raised some concerns within the club’s leadership, as reported by Jose Felix Diaz in MARCA.
The outlet suggests that although confidence in the team remains strong, there are growing doubts about the overall performance.
The defeat was not just about the scoreline but also about how the team appeared on the pitch. Lille outplayed Real Madrid in terms of strength, desire, and physicality, dominating the match for 85 minutes.
In response to the defeat, the mood in the dressing room was grim, with the feeling that the team had ‘hit the rock bottom’.
Carlo Ancelotti tried everything during the second half to turn things around, but the changes did not have much of an impact, with the team only showing signs of life in the final 10 minutes.
Doubts about Real Madrid’s form have been lingering since the start of the season. Even in seemingly strong performances, such as the match against Alaves, something felt off.
The excuses about the summer break or the players returning from the Euros no longer apply; the team is now in competition mode.
One telling statistic highlights this problem—while Lille covered 117.9 kilometres during the match, Real Madrid only managed 107.1 kilometres. This gap illustrates not only a difference in physical effort but also in the intensity that each team brought to the game.
The coaching staff is concerned not just about the distance covered but also the lack of quality in those kilometres.
The team’s movements lacked the intensity required for modern football. There is a growing sense that the players are resting on the reputation of the club’s name rather than performing to their full potential.
Adding to the worries are the three yellow cards picked up by Jude Bellingham, Luka Modric, and Antonio Rudiger in quick succession, which reflected the frustration and helplessness they felt on the pitch.
Moreover, the players frequently lost possession due to simple mistakes, often because of the pressure applied by Lille.
The alarm has now been sounded, and it’s clear that the club needs to react quickly. This is no longer just about results—it is about restoring the image and standards that Real Madrid are known for.