Quote (zarkadon @ Dec 8 2021 03:41pm)
Right now the feeling is that Madrid can put up a fight with any of the big contenders, but it's only because we're in great shape. Form is temporary, we'll have to see how we're doing in feb/march.
We have a good squad, but it's not at the same level as in prior years. The flaws everyone could point out during the summer can only be overcome if everyone plays at their top form, as is happening right now. Karim is having an insane season. Vinicius is finally having his breakthrough. The Casemiro-Kroos-Modric midfield line is at its best again. The defense is very solid, and Courtois is at his greatest level too. Even Asensio and Jovic are showing signs of being useful again.
Now we just need to keep it up. I think we can, but it's not easy. The season is long, and my feeling is that if we step down just one bit, we'll have no chance against City, PSG, Bayern or Chelsea. So lets keep focused and hope everything continues on like this.
PS: I was happy with inconsistent's Varane transfer this summer, but I couldn't imagine that Alaba and Militao would perform at such a high level already. With Ramos suffering from injuries and having his mind on off the pitch stuff like his Amazon series, and Varane being the type of player who goes from being the best CB in the world to making amateur level mistakes, it's great that we finally have a consistent defensive line again. Carlo has been doing a great job... even with his coaching limitations, he's really the guy we needed. Someone who would apply the same philosophy as Zidane, but without the favoritism and stubborness the french coach was displaying. His leadership had become stale, the team was stuck and fresh air was needed. And it's great they went with a similar figure, rather than Conte, Allegri, Mourinho or whatever.
yeah there was a sense of bewilderment when Ancelotti was signed again, and i was a bit too. it's amazing what he has done to the team and whatever he did to Vinicius lol
personally i would like a little bit more rotation in midfield, but you gotta do what you gotta do to win games. wins > rotations