Being a Madridista is one of the most difficult jobs in football. The fans want to see the team hoist a major trophy every year and with these expectations comes pressure.
Last season, Real fell short of all expectations in an embarrassing campaign that saw them win only one trophy (which was based on the success of the season before) and not compete seriously for any other one over the course of the campaign.
Questions regarding the character of the club’s senior players’ character and hunger for success were asked throughout and with good reason to do so as well because the players didn’t seem to care at all.
This season begged for different, a different look a different identity or at least different performances and results from the team and they didn’t disappoint.
They got the win against Celta away from home with a man down and began the season on a bright note.
In the second game, they played out a 1-1 draw against Valladolid but it was not for the want of trying. They dominated the game from start to finish but were unfortunate not to get the three points.
They would have been bolstered by the continued form of Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez.
They certainly looked a different team in the first half at least but then dropped off in the second and the lack of intensity cost them.
Some of the cracks on the wall of last season showed themselves once again with Real’s whole back four out of sorts for Sergi Guardiola’s equaliser.
There were disappointing performances from the defenders especially Marcelo who was not effective in the game at all.
His days as a starter at the club may be numbered with Ferland Mendy waiting on the sidelines for an opportunity.
Marcelo may well become the team’s first high profile scapegoat if he does get dropped and that might cause the rest of the club to buckle up and put a shift in for the Club.
Zidane needs to make a statement of intent in terms of his team selection in order to ensure continuity and progress for his team.
