The New Era: 15 Aug 2024

A Word From the Author

“I cannot protect you without holding a sword…but I cannot embrace you with a sword in my hands”

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”).

UEFA SuperCup Quick Recap

One Game. One Win. Today was truly a game of two halves. The first half was less memorable as the squad attempted to figure out their style of play. It was accident prone, signs of rust, and haphazard complimentary play. However, after a quick halftime talk, the team started to connect. The front three began to create more effective chances galvanized by Jude. It was a good performance, but its only the start!

Now Time for…Jose Juninho UEFA SuperCup Overreactions

First Some Context: We really shouldn’t read too much (if at all) into this game. For starters, 6-7 of Gala XI didn’t participate in the US tour meaning a) the front three had never played together; b) the midfield trio have never played together with these responsibilities; and c) Rudi + Militao have probably only played 15 or less games as a starting pair. Additionally, and more importantly, by Carlo’s own admission Camavinga was supposed to start. Therefore, it’s unclear if the team had really practiced this particular 433. Considering the context, we can probably disregard MOST of the below and most of our current thoughts about Real Madrid besides that we have talented players.

Overreaction #1: The Front Three (feat. Bellingham)

This Might Just Work. Yes, our structure was kind of abysmal during the first half. Yes, there is still a lot of work to do. Yes, an additional midfielder may be beneficial. However, this front three’s fluidity…may just work. Installing Mbappe into our attack provides not only Vinicius but Rodrygo (and Bellingham) a significant amount of space going forward. This is exemplified in some ways by both goals. During the first goal, Valverde was able to make a late run simply because Mbappe and Rodrygo attracted the attention of both defenders. The second goal was then a product of smart pressing by Rodrygo, Jude’s ability to make late runs into the box as a 4th attacking presence and smart movement by Kylian. Unlike prior years, where it was easier for teams to focus on our two attacking threats, this year Madrid going forward is an absolute handful for the opposition.

However, dirty work must be done. For this front three to be successful, each player (with a heightened emphasis on Rodrygo) needs to be prepared to do dirty work. They will need an effective team press to protect the midfield. Rodrygo particularly will need to drop into wide channels to defensively assist Carvajal. Likely Vini + Rodrygo too, will need to drop into the midfield to receive the ball and then turn upfield. This can all be done and imo isn’t asking for too much. But we’ll just have to continue to watch and see what happens.

Quick Press Note: Both goals are byproducts of a successful team press. For the first goal, Rodrygo presses De Roon to close midfield options and then the goalkeeper which forces a poor pass that was intercepted by Mendy. The ball is then passed from Jude -> Vini magic -> Valverde. The second goal, Rodrygo individually presses and wins the ball and you know the rest. Please Carlo teach these boys how to press abeg.

Overreaction #2: Zinedine Mendy

With Toni Kroos, Ferland Mendy is an offensive liability. Without Toni Kroos, Ferland Mendy is an extreme offensive liability. There were a frustrating amount of times where Mendy received the ball, waited for far too long, attracted pressure, turned around and passed to Courtois, who then had to launch an aerial long pass to one of the shortest Madrid front lines in decades. There were a frustrating amount of times where Jude needed to drop deeper to receive the ball from Mendy just to watch Mendy wait far too long, attract pressure, turn around…etc. Mendy is immensely valuable defensively. However, for games like these and often 75% of our games he may do more harm than good. I’m not even advocating for Alphonso Davies at this point. If Fran is too “frantic,” let’s bring back Miguel Gutierrez for 5M. Yes, you read that here — 5M is the cost. It actually may be less it may be 3M. It’s single digits…We desperately need a) Mendy to sort at the very least his short passing out; b) a new LB; and c) Tchouameni to potentially drift further left to cover Mendy’s ball progression issues.

Overreaction #3: Jude Bellingham

Scary hours if Jude Bellingham plays like this the rest of this season. I’ve already said that he would get my Balon D’Or vote and imo he was our best player last season. And what a way to dismiss all of the summer noise about him being overrated.

Overreaction #4: Mbappe Is Destabilizing Our Locker Room

Because of Kylian Mbappe: 1) Vini + Rodrygo are now mocking his celebration; 2) Vini and Rodrygo were overeager to pass him the ball to score; 3) Jude is calling Endrick “Bobby” as a Bobby Charlton joke; 4) Hala Croatia briefly returned; and 5) Fede is being nice and welcoming….this behavior is sickening

Advice for the Lil Homie(s)

“己を知れ”

(Get well soon…drip king)

.

.

.

.

.

.

あなたに別れを告げる練習を続けています