An Author’s Reflection
Coral: Do you exercise?
Juninho: When I have to.
Coral: Do you consider this employment to be psychologically stressful?
Juninho: Sometimes.
Coral: How much alcohol do you consume?
Juninho: Too much.
Coral: What is your occupation?
Juninho: Well…that’s not the sort of thing that looks good written on the forum
Coral: …and why’s that?
Juninho: I ban people —
(Interruption)
Valyrian Steel: Where the hell have you been?
Juninho: Enjoying death….Juninho reporting for duty.
Welcome to The Daily Merengue — a place where you can feel free to discuss all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name!
Shoutout to the Mods who do a fantastic job, Valyrian Steel, KungFuZizou, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, and Juninho (the “King of Mods”).
Monday Observations
Observation #1: Confusion
Defensive Confusion. Similar to many matches this season, Los Blancos proceeded to win a rather “incomplete” performance characterized with patches of brilliance and blatant confusion. The 3 CB tactic was an interesting development by Carlo and he should be applauded for attempting something new. However, the team (particularly Tchouameni and Militao) looked increasingly uncomfortable until the eventual switch to a back 4. Additionally, our press was the standard haphazard press that has characterized this Madrid era. Truly, Celta Vigo had ample opportunities to score and on an Iago Aspas night could have easily been up by 2 goals by HT. A quick look at xG also exemplifies this point as Celta had a 1.85 xG compared to Madrid’s .79. We’re of course happy for the 3 points but there is still much to work on.
Yeah this defense is horrendous. This is the 3rd absurd clear cut chance Celta had. And the only reason it wasn’t more is because Celta have looked off Borja behind Tchouameni on the high line twice and another when the pass was overhit.
— Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) October 19, 2024
this team is far too reliant on Courtois being a one-man miracle generator
— Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) October 19, 2024
Real Madrid’s defensive quality and high-press efficiency have been no better than the league average this season. Their eagerness to press often does more harm than good pic.twitter.com/IuoZCyvCzN
— markstats (@markrstats) October 20, 2024
Observation #2: Call For Concern
Jude. I’m worried about Jude. And no this isn’t the fact that he hasn’t scored a La Liga goal this season or that I believe he has only a few assists. It also isn’t that I don’t think he’s playing particularly well. IMO, Jude should’ve been the man of the match of the last game. He was spectacular in possession and out of it and truly drove the team.
I’m worried about Jude’s accumulating responsibilities. It’s unclear on whether they are assigned or if Jude is simply forcing himself to do so, but the Golden Boy from Birmingham seems to feature in every aspect of the game. Against Celta, we found him making tackles in our box, dribbling into the final third, creating opportunities for Vini / Mbappe, and also makng goalscoring runs,
I understand he has an insane work rate but this can’t be great for his legs or his overall fitness. Additionally, are we sure we are getting the best of Jude? I’ve been comfortable with him playing a slightly deeper role in order to fit the front 3 (or 2) but lately it feels as if Jude is asked to both be a CM and 2023 Jude. I could be wrong, but it feels like he is growing increasingly frustrated.
The abuse this baseless system is having on Jude’s body has to be insane dude, i’m surprised the guy even has the energy to kick the ball when we win it, a few more years in this system and he’s retiring by 27.
— Druchk (@andruchk) October 19, 2024
Observation #3: How Much More Time?
Time.I lack time so this will be short. Is it time yet to be concerned about our performances? I understand that the most positive thinkers will ask for patience as we are still competing in every competition. I know many may point to the team still adjusting to new personnel. However, we are rapidly approaching November and the team imo doesn’t seem much more cohesive than it was in August.
Anyway, I can expound on this later. Time is of the essence.
We’re 3 months in and I’m still hearing ‘but he hasn’t got Kroos’ if the so called greatest ever manager can’t adapt and can’t figure out when he’s got Cama, Tchou, Jude, Fede, Arda, Luka in his disposable and don’t even get me started on our attack then boyyy oh boy.. https://t.co/GMdYTgLBIC
— Faysal (@elfayz_) October 20, 2024
Ancelotti usually finds solutions quick but this time it feels weird
— Rk (@RkFutbol) October 20, 2024
Reflections Part II
Valyrian Steel: Juninho, this may be too much for a blunt instrument to understand, but arrogance and self-awareness seldom go hand in hand. It was likely too early to promote you.
Juninho: Well I understand MM moderators have a very short life-expectancy, so your mistake will be short lived.
Coral: We need to know that we can trust you.
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“you’re not going to let me in there are you? you got your armor back on.”
