3 clubs who are worse off than Manchester United currently

1. Real Madrid

Lopetegui needs answers and he needs them fast

Just 4 months after an unprecedented 3rd successive Champions League crown, Real Madrid find themselves in turmoil. A changing of the guard in the summer, the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and a manager’s inability to enforce his philosophy are the primary reasons behind their struggles.

For the first time this century and for the better part of three decades, Real Madrid have failed to make the net bulge in four consecutive games. A 3-0 hammering at Sevilla was followed by a 0-0 Madrid Derbi draw. However, over the last week, a pair of 1-0 defeats to Alaves and CSKA Moscow has left Lopetegui scratching his head more often than he would like.

Lopetegui has persisted with Benzema despite his apparent struggles in front of goal and Benzema has repaid his faith with two shots on target over the last fortnight. Additionally, the likes of Modric and Kroos look exhausted and could do with a week’s rest.

The problems were compounded at the weekend when their best player, Bale, limped off to an injury. In addition, Asensio has lost his early-season spark and Ceballos’ inclination to go for the spectacular has put undue pressure on the team.

However, the problems aren’t solely in the attacking third. Defensively, they have been shambolic with Ramos enjoying probably his worst run of games ever. Nacho has looked out of his depth at full-back and Varane has committed uncharacteristic mistakes.

Whenever a club like Real Madrid goes through a tough phase, you expect them to come roaring back. However, with Lopetegui not inspiring any confidence, the path ahead seems an extremely rocky one for Real Madrid.

Perhaps they are missing someone (Ronaldo?) or they are taking time to adapt under the new manager. Whatever the case may be, time is a luxury that isn’t afforded at Real Madrid. As the clock ticks down, Los Blancos need to serve a ‘timely’ reminder of why they are European champions.