Real Madrid crisis runs deeper than Jose Mourinho as dressing-room problems laid bare

Real Madrid crisis runs deeper than Jose Mourinho as dressing-room problems laid bare Jose Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid was expected to bring a new level of authority and discipline, but a recent analysis from El Larguero argues that the club’s problems extend far beyond the identity of the manager. After several weeks away from Valdebebas owing to the international break, Mourinho is back working with most of his first-team squad ahead of the Villarreal match.  Yet, the atmosphere surrounding the team has not changed dramatically, with several issues from last season continuing to dominate the conversation. What’s the story? Right now, the biggest source of attention remains Kylian Mbappe.  The Frenchman’s recovery from injury, including his decision to spend time away from Madrid, has created considerable debate around the club . Real Madrid insist the forward had permission and that there is no internal unhappiness over the matter .  Mourinho is under the spotlight now. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) Mourinho has also defended his player , something that has complicated the perception of the manager’s approach. El Larguero has questioned whether Mourinho has delivered the uncompromising authority many fans expected, describing him as a “tin sergeant” rather than the “iron” disciplinarian associated with his reputation. That debate matters because Mbappe is not the only player at the centre of scrutiny.  In fact, questions surrounding the influence of the dressing room, alongside tensions involving Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, point towards a wider issue that predates Mourinho. Mbappe situation exposes Real Madrid’s problems The concern for Real Madrid is that changing the coach cannot automatically erase habits developed over several seasons. The club endured two trophyless campaigns before Mourinho’s arrival, while the previous regimes under Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa were also accompanied by disagreements between players. What will Jose Mourinho do next? (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) That makes Mourinho’s task considerably more complicated than improving Madrid’s tactics or results. He has to establish a clear hierarchy, manage some of the biggest personalities in world football and convince the squad that standards apply consistently across the dressing room. Mourinho needs more than results to revive Real Madrid For Real Madrid, the upcoming weeks could reveal whether Mourinho can genuinely change the culture around the first team. His reputation gives him the authority to demand more, but authority only works if the squad responds to it.  The Mbappe controversy has already shown how difficult that balance can be when managing a dressing room filled with elite players. The Villarreal fixture therefore will be more than just another opportunity to collect points. It is another test of whether Mourinho can begin changing the mentality at Real Madrid — a challenge that appears considerably bigger than simply replacing the man who occupied the dugout before him