The premature ejaculations over Madrid this summer seem largely about transfer-hungry United fans just going by the amount spent - rather than what's actually being done. Seriously, don't understand a lot of it.
Hate them but have to admit they know how a top club should be run.
Let's see. Which were
not the big areas of struggle for Madrid's season? Left-back, you'd have to say would be a decent shout for this, given how Reguilon went. So, there's been 50 Mn or so spunked out on a left-back who isn't the most proven or experienced at the topmost level. There's also Achraf to come back and he's quite decent, so I'm a bit bemused. Militao? He won't be starting the season as first-choice ahead of the club captain or the WC-winning Varane. Rodrygo isn't even close to ready yet, so let's not go there. Next is Jovic, who'll be competing with Benzema (after his good season and he's a Zidane favourite). Oh and Jovic is not an Mbappe. He's raw and has miles to go yet. That's now left us Hazard.
Hazard will be the best forward in the team clearly, but will likely prefer playing in the position on the left, leaving right open.
And what of the midfield? Real enter the season (unless another 150 Mn is spent on Pogba or 80-90 on Eriksen) with the same first-choice midfielders for the fourth/fifth straight season. Ceballos and Marcos as backup are hardly the most alluring prospects for a club chasing Messi FC.
The man sure knows how to adapt to modern conditions. He got in and learned from the failures of 'Project Galactico 1.0'. He knows how to speak and deal with people but also has a very ruthless streak in him which is a necessity too run the biggest entity in world football.
Yeah. Visible. Like I said, I don't feel too optimistic about Real overhauling Barca or challenging them this season. I'd love Real to win ahead of Barca, but I don't see how 4/5 of these will be clear upgrades in areas of major weakness. Would have much preferred starting with midfield and right-wing, but what do I know? If Ed had been spending 300+ Mn on one starter, one minor upgrade and 3 players that will strengthen the bench in a season that was such a disaster, most would have been baying for blood. Flo has spent a bucket-load, but frankly, I don't see how this has been the smartest spree.