The New Real Madrid: The Future is Bright

Real Madrid is a club that is always expected to win often, win fast, and win beautifully. While this is what should be expected from top-paid players and coaches who come to this very proud and demanding club, fans need to take a step back and see what Mourinho is trying to build at the Bernabéu for years to come.

There are a few simple reasons for Real Madrid’s lackluster start.

This team is very young. Some of these players have never had the attention and pressure of playing for a club that demands so much. Certainly this is quite an adjustment for players like 23-year-old Khedira, who was thrust into the spotlight after his impressive World Cup performance for Germany earlier this year.

There is also the language and cultural barrier. A lot of these players still are getting used to life in the Spanish capital and learning the language. Most of them were living in different countries just a few months ago and playing very different styles of football. In fact, the only three Real Madrid veterans are Iker Casillas, Mahamadou Diarra and Sergio Ramos, who themselves have seen a number of different changes throughout the years.

Which leads to another point: These players have never played together as a team. They’re still learning; learning the Spanish game, the life, each other, and Mourinho’s scheme.

With all the panic, it is easy to overlook the recent success they’ve had to build upon in so little time. They are atop their group in the Champions League and have conceded only one goal this season. That’s pretty impressive for a team that has just been together a few weeks.

As time goes on and the team gets comfortable with Mourinho’s style and the players find their place, the goals will come. Pepe is finally back this season, Kaká will soon rejoin the team, Ronaldo will be back to full strength and Los Blancos will start rolling.