Real Madrid are going through their first real period of turbulence this season, and the Spanish giants are already regretting one major failure from the summer transfer window.
Last season, Real Madrid placed their trust in Xabi Alonso and later Álvaro Arbeloa, but neither coach managed to fully convince the dressing room. José Mourinho, however, appears to have the backing of his players. That is already an important victory for the Madrid hierarchy, whose priority was to restore order inside a squad that had begun to show signs of serious tension.
Florentino Pérez and his board also expected Mourinho to help the team rediscover its best form and compete for major trophies. However, when it comes to performances on the pitch, the Portuguese coach is facing many of the same problems as his predecessors.
Real Madrid still possess a squad packed with individual quality, but the team remains unbalanced. The opening games of the season have highlighted those weaknesses. Thibaut Courtois continues to produce crucial saves, often compensating for a defence that leaves him too exposed.
The midfield has also failed to provide enough control, while the attacking stars are still struggling to find the right balance despite their enormous talent. Vinicius Junior has endured a difficult start to the campaign, while Kylian Mbappé continues to score goals but has faced criticism over his defensive contribution.
Real Madrid regret not signing a midfielder
🚨🤡 Les DIFFÉRENCES de stats entre le Real Madrid & Barcelone en Liga cette saison :
— RMadrid actu 🇫🇷 (@RMadrid_actu) September 23, 2026
• Distance parcourue avec une grande intensité par match : Barcelone est 6eme, et le Real Madrid est DERNIER. ❌
• Actions à haute intensité : Barcelone est 3eme, et le Real Madrid est… pic.twitter.com/6gdUFDVWtu
Mourinho therefore still has plenty of work ahead of him. During the summer of 2026, the Portuguese coach asked the club to sign another defender and a top-class midfielder. Neither request was granted.
Real Madrid did, however, come close to signing Rodri. The 30-year-old midfielder was considering leaving Manchester City and perfectly matched Mourinho’s requirements: experienced, technically gifted, capable of dictating the tempo and strong enough to become a leader in midfield.
Those are precisely the qualities Real Madrid have been missing since Toni Kroos retired and Luka Modric moved to Milan.
Eventually, however, Rodri changed his mind and decided to join Barcelona. His conversations with Hansi Flick and several of his Spanish teammates at Barça reportedly played an important role in his decision. The atmosphere inside the Real Madrid dressing room was also said to have raised concerns.
Rodri has quickly settled into life at Barcelona, making seven appearances already this season and establishing himself as one of the key figures in their midfield.
That has only increased Madrid’s frustration. According to Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid believe they now have a major problem in midfield and deeply regret missing out on a player who had unanimous approval inside the club.
What makes the situation even more frustrating is that Madrid did not pursue an alternative after Rodri’s move collapsed. That decision has reportedly caused irritation internally.
Mourinho is now hoping the club will finally provide him with the midfielder he wants in January. If not, strengthening that area is expected to become one of Real Madrid’s main priorities next summer.
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