Mourinho given three weeks to restore Real Madrid’s identity

Jose Mourinho has three weeks during the international break to address Real Madrid’s uneven start and establish a clearer identity before the Spanish league resumes.

Real Madrid have lost two of their opening seven La Liga matches, with the latest defeat coming against Atletico Madrid in a controversial derby. Although Dean Huijsen’s red card and a penalty helped change the game in Atletico’s favour, Mourinho’s problems had already been evident.

His side lacked balance, struggled to connect its lines and looked ineffective both in attack and defence. Despite having a squad packed with high-quality options, Real Madrid have yet to produce the level expected of them.

Vinicius under pressure

Vinicius Junior is one of the manager’s most urgent concerns. The Brazil forward has scored only once this season, missed several straightforward chances and regularly given the ball away, limiting his influence in the final third.

His contribution without possession is also an issue. Real Madrid have repeatedly been exposed down their left, with Vinicius not providing enough defensive support. Atletico found space in that area during the derby and used it to put pressure on the Real Madrid defence.

Criticism of the player has increased, with reports suggesting supporters are beginning to lose patience. Some are calling for Yan Diomande to start instead. Mourinho must decide whether to continue backing Vinicius while he searches for his best form or leave him on the bench to give Diomande an opportunity and encourage the Brazil international to fight for his place.

Midfield balance needed

Mourinho has recently favoured Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde in midfield, with Jude Bellingham playing ahead of them. However, the physical qualities of the French and Uruguayan are similar, including their stamina, strength and ability to cover ground.

The team also needs a player who can control the tempo and create from central areas. Bernardo Silva offers those qualities, with the ability to retain possession under pressure, dictate the rhythm and play passes through defensive lines.

Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola relied heavily on Bernardo because he could link the lines and move attacks forward from different positions. That was the role he was expected to fulfil at Real Madrid, yet his recent place on the bench has left the midfield short of creativity.

Arda Guler has sometimes dropped deeper to help build attacks, but doing so takes him away from the advanced areas where he can pose the greatest threat. Mourinho therefore needs to find a better balance between power and invention without necessarily removing Tchouameni or Valverde.

A clearer attacking plan

Real Madrid have often appeared dependent on individual skill rather than repeatable attacking patterns. Kylian Mbappe has been a major source of those individual solutions, but relying on him alone is not sustainable. Many victories have come after considerable difficulty creating chances or waiting for a decisive moment.

Mourinho must develop more varied movements off the ball, rotations in attack and improved build-up play. Barcelona have won all seven of their matches under Hansi Flick, often with emphatic results, increasing the pressure on Real Madrid to find a way of imposing their style.

Carlos Espi may also deserve more minutes after helping secure late victories against Espanyol and Elche as a substitute. While replacing Mbappe as a striker would be difficult, Mourinho could use Espi centrally and move Mbappe to the left wing, his preferred position, rather than relying permanently on Vinicius.