Álvaro Benito calls for ‘drastic decisions’ at Real Madrid

Álvaro Benito believes Real Madrid need a change of direction. “Hay que tomar decisiones drásticas,” he said, pointing to recurring problems and the need for decisions he is not sure will be made.

Benito played for Real Madrid from 1995 to 2002 and was forced to retire in 2003 because of injuries. He presented his proposed solution on the programme El Larguero. Discussing Real Madrid’s match in Rome, he said the team’s difficulties were no surprise: in his view, they struggle to win the ball back against opponents comfortable in possession and allow them too many opportunities to threaten.

“Es la crónica de una muerte anunciada,” he said, adding that the problems are plain to the players and Mourinho alike. Benito also argued that greater commitment to pressing can turn a match around: “when they press, show grit and step up the pressure, they get results,” he said.

His analysis also focused on the team’s balance. If the attacking players do not do their job, he warned, Valverde and Tchouaméni are not enough against good teams. Benito also described Mourinho’s comments as interesting. He saw them as an effort to protect a side that, in his view, cannot do without Tchouaméni and Valverde in midfield, while also needing players such as Bernardo or Güler to control the game.