Four major tactical problems Jose Mourinho must solve at Real Madrid – report

Four major tactical problems Jose Mourinho must solve at Real Madrid – report Jose Mourinho has had a mixed start to the new season with Real Madrid, with a few solid performances and a few disappointing ones. Los Blancos lost the Madrid derby 2-1 to Atletico Madrid just before the international break and have to become more consistent after it. Mourinho is beginning to establish a recognisable Real Madrid starting XI, but several important questions remain unresolved. The international break gives the Portuguese coach valuable time to consider decisions that could shape his team during a demanding October. According to Diario SPORT , Mourinho currently has four major tactical issues to address: his preferred right-back, the hierarchy at centre-back, the balance of his double pivot and how to accommodate Arda Guler and Yan Diomande in attack. Dumfries, Trent and the defensive hierarchy At right-back, Denzel Dumfries appears to have an advantage over Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Dutchman’s physicality suits Mourinho’s approach. He gives Los Blancos intensity and defensive security. Alexander-Arnold offers considerably more in attack, but his defensive lapses make his case much harder to argue. Denzel Dumfries is the first-choice right-back for Real Madrid. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) Then there is another decision centrally. Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen currently look like Mourinho’s preferred partnership. However, Eder Militao is nearing a return from injury , and if the Brazilian can rediscover his best level after his injury problems, Mourinho will have another important decision to make. Madrid still searching for midfield balance The more complicated question involves Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde. Together, they provide athleticism, defensive coverage and enormous work rate. However, they lack the creativity Madrid need. That is where Bernardo Silva becomes particularly interesting. The Portuguese midfielder offers the control and imagination Madrid lack from deeper areas. Jose Mourinho needs to look at using Bernardo Silva more in the upcoming games. However, his involvement so far this season has been surprisingly limited, and Mourinho needs to find a way to address this after the break. Guler and Diomande are forcing the issue The biggest selection headache may ultimately come further forward. Guler has become increasingly difficult to leave out because of his creativity, while Diomande has shown the explosiveness and directness capable of changing Madrid’s attack. Finding room for both inevitably has to come at the cost of an established starter like Vinicius Junior, who is not in the best form. Mourinho has publicly backed the Brazilian and expects him to rediscover his best level. However, there is only so much longer he can keep giving him minutes without the performances. October is an important month for Madrid and should provide answers. It remains to be seen how Mourinho addresses these key tactical calls in the coming month.