5 things Real Madrid need to do to turn their fortunes around

If last week’s 4-0 home defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Barcelona was a rude wake-up call, the narrow 4-3 win against Shakhtar Donetsk must have further opened the eyes of Real Madrid fans and management alike.After an impressive start to the season, especially in defence, Los Merengues seem to have lost their way a bit. Manager Rafael Benitez needs to remove glaring weaknesses in his team, most of which have been ruthlessly exposed in recent weeks.Here’s a look at 5 ways the All-Whites can turn their season around.

#1 Have a Ball-winner (read Casemiro) in midfield

Casemiro has looked solid and impressive whenever he has played for Real Madrid

Suarez, Neymar and Iniesta may have hogged the limelight in the 4-0 win, but Sergio Busquets was the unsung hero of the night. The 27-year old was, literally and figuratively, the pivote around which the Barcelona midfield ran Real ragged.

That does not mean the Santiago Bernabeu needs its own Busquets- in fact, quite the opposite. Los Blancos possess supreme pace on the break with Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, but to win the ball in the first place, they need a tackler in midfield.

Enter Casemiro. The Brazilian midfielder provides much-needed steel to the midfield and his defensive attributes will not only shield Real’s defence but also become the starting point for potential counter-attacks.

The 23-year old has been in impressive form this season, putting in exceptional performances against Atletico Madrid and PSG. His presence relieves pressure off Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, allowing them to do what they do best- create moves and support forwards.

To say that Casemiro could be the unsung hero of a successful season for Real would not be an understatement. Benitez would be ill-advised not to play him in big games.

#2 Determine Cristiano Ronaldos role

Ronaldo’s recent slump in form could be attributed to his uncertain role in the side

This may sound like a broken record, but Ronaldo’s job description in this team needs to be established.

Does Benitez see him as a winger, dribbling past players and making runs or as a forward, mainly contributing to the team’s cause by scoring goals?

Evidence from the past year suggests towards the latter, so much so that his usefulness outside the box is in question. In such a scenario, it would be ideal to play him in a strike partnership with Gareth Bale, especially considering Benzema’s struggles off the pitch.

Playing upfront, Ronaldo can start from the left forward position he so loves, without the defensive responsibilities that Benitez may demand on the wing. Pairing up with Bale has the potential to be a lethal combination- the Welshman’s free attacking role coupled with Ronaldo making runs off him is as scary a prospect as any for defenders.

Whatever the case, Benitez needs to figure out what to do with his most important player. Keeping him happy will help.

#3 Give young wingers a better chance

Youngsters Jese and Vasquez need to be utililized more often

It is interesting to note that Benitez started James Rodriguez on the right wing against Barcelona, considering the Colombian was coming back from an extended spell on the sidelines. Even more curious was his subsequent decision to substitute Rodriguez with Isco, when he has two promising youngsters in his ranks.

Jese Rodriguez and Lucas Vazquez have shown immense skill and industry on the wings for Real Madrid since pre-season. Although young and relatively inexperienced, they might have a major role to play if Benitez decides to use Ronaldo purely as a forward.

Playing at least one of Rodriguez and Vazquez is a viable option while James and Benzema regain form and fitness. Their desire and enthusiasm cannot be underestimated either: it will certainly rub off on teammates, simultaneously increasing competition and improving team-ethic.

Not to mention, the lads know how to play.

#4 Show faith in Benitez

Benitez should be given time to effect his vision of Real Madrid

For someone who started his managerial career with this club’s B-team, Rafa Benitez must feel a long way away from home. Since his appointment in the summer of 2015, the knives have been out for the Spaniard all over Bernabeu.

While the argument that the former Napoli coach does not exactly offer free-flowing football holds true, he is nonetheless an accomplished man of football. His arrival has already improved Madrid’s defensive organization and his record in knock-out tournaments is nothing short of commendable.

His teams in the past have been no slouches either- the Valencia of early 2000s was considered revolutionary at the time and the heroics of his Liverpool team at Istanbul are now part of football folklore.

His approach may be a culture shock to Madridistas used to attacking football and players who were previously under the loving shadow of Ancelotti but, given the chance, Benitez will build a Madrid side hard to beat and much more probable contenders for the Champions League.

That is, if the Honourable President of Real Madrid allows him to.

#5 Get rid of Florentino Perez

Perez has been known for his constant interference in team management

“Why put another layer of gold paint on the Bentley when you are losing the entire engine?”

Zidane’s reaction to Claude Makelele’s replacement with David Beckham sums up the fallacy in the Real Madrid president’s ‘Galactico’ policy. While a lucrative business, Real Madrid has become a shadow of the team that was revered in the 50s and continued their dominance in the 80s and 90s.

During his time as President, Perez has bought countless football stars, creating teams meant to deliver spectacles rather than titles. While at it, he has gotten rid of managers like dust off his shoes and increased his chances of getting re-elected.

His interference in team management is sometimes so obvious, it’s embarrassing. The line-up against Barcelona is the most recent example- James and Benzema were played despite lacking match fitness and there was no ball-winner in the midfield pivot, something Benitez would never do on his own.

While Real Madrid is flawed in more ways than one, it is this aspect which deserves most attention. The circus needs to end someday.