Real Madrid’s dire season has prompted the club’s leadership to prepare a series of drastic measures. Spanish newspaper AS recently posed a telling question: “What now?” after labeling this campaign as the club’s worst in two decades.
Under President Florentino Pérez, the management is fully aware of the crisis and is ready to make swift decisions to rebuild the squad. The humiliation suffered in the Clásico against Barcelona perfectly encapsulated the season’s failures: a team lacking spirit and identity, with glaring weaknesses across all positions, as Álvaro Arbeloa’s men watched Barcelona celebrate the La Liga title in front of them.
The club now faces three decisive steps before the season ends, with the primary focus on the future.
The first step will be appointing a new head coach, with José Mourinho emerging as the frontrunner. The Portuguese tactician has an intimate understanding of this season’s internal issues, thanks to his strong bond with Pérez, who has shared comprehensive performance reports. Mourinho is seen as the ideal candidate to restore discipline and fighting spirit to the dressing room. Sources suggest he is seriously considering a “last dance” return to Madrid, knowing the current squad will form the core for next season.
The second step centers on defensive reinforcements. At Valdebebas, discussions point to signing three or four new defenders, given the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, and David Alaba, along with doubts over Dani Carvajal and the disappearing Carreira at season’s end. The club also plans to reduce reliance on untested young talents, prioritizing proven experience.
The third step addresses the midfield. The declining performances of Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni have raised concerns within the administration, but changes here will not be as urgent as those needed in defense.
In contrast, the attack is considered solid, anchored by Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé, with the returns of Nico Paz and Endrick providing additional depth.
AS reports that Pérez and his team still believe the quality exists within the squad—many players who have underperformed can rediscover their best form given proper motivation from the new coaching staff. Structural adjustments to the club’s sporting framework are also being considered to ensure long-term stability.
The newspaper concludes that Real Madrid stands at a true crossroads. The coming weeks will be decisive in shaping the club’s new project, whether through Mourinho’s return to the dugout or a white revolution that restores the team’s lost prestige.
