The issues Mourinho is struggling to fix at Real, tell me about this news in (https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c620ld00n5n9o)
26-09-2026
José Mourinho has faced several major tactical and structural issues upon his return to Real Madrid during his second spell as head coach.
Key problems he has been struggling to fix include:
Lack of a Discernible Plan in Midfield: Analysts and observers have pointed out that the team lacks a clear tactical structure beyond simply trying to get the ball forward to Kylian Mbappé. The construction and balance of the midfield have come under scrutiny, particularly with concerns that the current personnel lack the requisite range of passing to effectively dictate matches and control the tempo.
Defensive Intensity and Pressing: Mourinho has reportedly struggled to get his forward players to consistently press and track back, a recurring problem that plagued his immediate predecessors at the club as well.
Outdated Tactical Approach: Critics have argued that his negative and reactive football philosophy has failed to evolve with modern tactics, making it difficult to consistently break down well-organized opponents at the highest level.
Distractions and Media Misdirection: True to vintage form, Mourinho has leaned into high-profile refereeing controversiessuch as bringing screenshots and lists of refereeing errors to post-match press conferences following derby defeatswhich critics view as a way to create a siege mentality and deflect attention away from subpar team performances on the pitch.