Five things Real Madrid need to do next season

Real Madrid just finished a rather disappointing season by their standards, and Jose Mourinho is no longer the manager of the club. In fact, the most decorated club in the history of the game is currently without a manager. But then, that doesn’t stop us from dreaming; it is Real Madrid, and the dream is big and it is alive. The quest for the elusive tenth Champions League title is the one that the club, its supporters, players and staff desperately want to achieve. That, however, is easier said than done.

Here is what Real should be doing next season –

Make Ronaldo sign that contract

This man should not be sold at any cost

He is the man who steals the show and scores a goal every match. Well, at least a goal every match. Take him out and this brilliant side looks like just another good side. At the end of the day, goals will win you matches and eventually trophies. And no one at Real scores more than this person!

Appoint a coach first, buy players later

WIll Bale be able to play under Ancelotti if he comes to the club?

Ultimately, it is the coach who will define the way the players will play on the pitch. He will decide the formation and provide the tactical inputs that the players will follow. The players will have to be bought, sold and groomed based on the coach’s suggestions and vision.

The person who looks almost certain to take the job is a certain Carlo Ancelotti. And the player that everyone wants to see in the coveted white is a certain Gareth Bale. Now that’s somewhat confusing given that Ancellotti has always preferred the diamond, and is not particularly fond of wingers. Juventus, Milan, and even Chelsea saw the use of diamond in the midfield, the tip of which was a supremely creative playmaker – Zidane at Juve and Kaka at Milan – and the other three were genuine midfielders. So where does Bale fit in this squad and formation?

If Real want to splurge and break the world record transfer amount, they better be in sync with the coach they want to appoint. Appointing the coach is, therefore, of utmost importance. Bale will be a boost for sure, but they also need a coach who will treasure him.

Treasure that Croat:

Luca Modric can add an extra dimension to the Madrid midfield

Luka Modric, labelled as the biggest failure of the transfer market last summer by Marca, has shown that the Spanish newspaper needs serious improvements. This person has the ability to be the lynchpin of the Real side. It’s true that Ronaldo steals the show, that Ozil ranks way up in the assists ranking, and that Ramos’s zeal rarely goes unnoticed; but if Real need someone to drive the game, Luka Modric is the perfect person.

Both Manchester United and Dortmund showed how easy it can be to restrict Real by restricting Alonso. But once Modric pairs with him, it’s a completely different midfield (have a look at the Madrid-Dortmund second leg). And contrary to popular opinion, Modric defends rather well. He has a better interception rate than Sami Khedira and also has a decent sliding tackle. Modric, therefore, is the man to look out for.

Reward meritocracy

Diego Lopez – deserves more opportunities?

Have a look at Diego Lopez’s figures, and you will know why he was preferred over Casillas. Madrid have always been vulnerable to aerial threats, and Diego Lopez comes out to claim crosses far more than Casillas does. He also has a higher saves-to-shots-faced ratio. If he performs better, he plays. Simple.

A similar approach needs to be taken with Arbeloa. Daniel Carvajal is back after a very impressive season in the Bundesliga. He has a better tackle success rate, better interception rate, and is a more genuine threat down the wing. Arbeloa, in spite of being a World and European champion, will have to sit out if needed.

Make the centre-forwards play more:

Karim Benzema should get more playing time to prove his worth

They say centre-forwards are the first to lose confidence. Make them play the full ninety minutes, and they will perform. Benzema has the ability; his finishing and technique are world-class and he has a calmer head on his shoulders as compared to Higuain. Give him playing time and he will deliver; and Morata can serve as the backup. Do they really need Suarez or Cavani?

Most importantly, the club has reached a juncture where they don’t want to win the Champions league anymore, they need to win it. That mentality needs to be done away with. Suddenly, the league is not good enough, impressive performances are not appreciated and domestic cups are almost an insult to that trophy cabinet. Yes, it is Real Madrid, but every victory is important and crucial. La Decima will happen. It is inevitable. But it shouldn’t harm the club. At the end of the day, 10 is just a number.