Jose Mourinho, who returned to Real Madrid in July on a three-year contract, is grappling with familiar tensions just seven league matches into his second spell. A recent defeat to rivals Atletico Madrid has left supporters questioning the team's consistency and the manager's tactical approach.
Real Madrid currently sit fourth in La Liga, trailing defending champions Barcelona by six points. Barcelona have won all seven of their league games, scoring 31 goals. Atletico Madrid are second and Real Betis third, both five points behind Barcelona.
Mourinho has identified a lack of control in midfield as a clear issue, along with the need for attacking players like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr to perform more consistently as a unit. The team also needs to improve its defence during transitions when possession is lost.
The Portuguese coach now has an unusually long three-week international break to consider his options. Real Madrid's next match is at home against Villarreal on Saturday, October 10, followed by an away fixture against Barcelona two weeks later.