Millions Can’t Buy The Champions League

Dominic Vieira

Benzema: 42 million euros. Kaká: 65 million euros. Cristiano Ronaldo: 94 million euros. Winning the Champions League at the Bernabeu? PRICELESS. There are some things that money can’t buy. For everything else, there is Mastercard.

The dream is over. Real Madrid was knocked out of the Champions League by Lyon and their fantasy of winning their 10th Champions League on home soil was destroyed. Surprisingly, this was the 5^th consecutive time that Real Madrid was kicked out of the final 16 knock out round of the competition.

Real Madrid’s expectations for this season were incredibly high and ambitious, they have certainly not been achieved and now the chances of winning a trophy are limited. Firstly, Real Madrid were humiliated by AD Alcorcón for the Copa Del Rey (4-0 defeat!), Lyon knocked them out of the Champions League and they are battling head-to-head against Barcelona to win La Liga.  After spending an excessive 250 million euros this season on the world’s finest players, something is clearly not working.

What is going wrong? Who is responsible? Do we blame the President? The Football director? The players? Or in most cases, the manager. I will analyze each one.

Florentino Peréz – The ‘Radical’ President

This is not the first time Florentino Peréz is in charge of Real Madrid. His first reign was between the years 2000 – 2006. He took over from Lorenz Sanz, who won two Champions League trophies (1998 and 2000) but led Los Merengues to a terrible financial position. Florentino created the famous “Galactico Era” in Madrid by spending millions on some of the world’s best players such as Beckham, Zidane, Figo, Ronaldo, Michael Owen, Robinho & co. Despite winning two leagues and one Champions League over the course of 6 years, the “Galactico Era” was unsuccessful and the club underperformed frequently. Peréz made several huge mistakes through his time; some key ones were: not renewing with Vincente del Bosque’s contract, selling Makélélé and not controlling the relationship between the players and media. Peréz hired and fired many managers, none of whom could control the players, impose discipline and respect. Furthermore, the managers could not stand the pressure. His last three years were trophyless and he rightfully resigned in early 2006 from his position

Florentino Peréz returned to presidency in June 2009, there was no competition for the position; therefore he was directly installed as president. During his absence the club managed to pick up 2 league titles. As we all know, in the summer of 2009, Peréz spent, spent and spent millions; signing the most popular players. Financially it was a wise move by Peréz because it brings huge amounts of money in annually through merchandising. Some claim that David Beckham was only signed to make the club money.

A “dream team” does not necessarily work on the field. This season it has been obvious many times that Real Madrid have problems collectively working as a team and there seems to be a lack of unity between the players. But Peréz is not the only one who can be blamed from Real Madrid’s lack of success or team spirit.

Jorge Valdano – “Mr. Everybody” General Director

The Argentine has played for Real Madrid, coached Los Blancos and now directs the club. The former World Cup winner was the sporting director of the club between the years 1998 to 2005. When Peréz was re-elected, Valdano also jumped back into the Madrid wagon, he is like the President’s right hand man.

He plays a key role in all the signings Madrid make and advises Peréz on whom to buy and sell. Many times Valdano has been heavily criticised with his decisions; especially on the appointment of new managers. He is also known for causing problems in the team changing room; there was a famous incident with former captain and Real legend Fernando Hierro. Valdano has made many mistakes and his return was a bad option, he creates instability and talks too much to the press. He is an intelligent man and has a wide knowledge of the game but I believe that he is not capable of doing a good job and can’t work under the intense pressure. To conclude, if Peréz is to blame, then so is Valdano.

The Players – When they win, they’re superstars. But what about when they lose?

Real Madrid has a team full of talent, some examples of their world class players are: Sergio Ramos, Ronaldo, Kaka, Diarra, Higuita, etc.  However, having many individual players and players with strong personalise in the squad can cause huge problems on and off the field.  Fans easily saw this the other week when Ronaldo and Alonso had an argument about taking a penalty. A strong atmosphere in the changing room is key for any successful side and there must be respectful and unity.

 One name which appears recurring times in the paper is Guti. The home-based player constantly causes problems and the solution may be letting him go; sometimes it is essential to get rid of the deadwood. No player should publicly express his view on how the club should be managed; their job is to play attractive football as a team and win. Van der Vaart and Drenthe have also been at the heart of many Madrid off the field problems.

Real Madrid’s defence is certainly a weakness and they do not have the quality at the back to win the Champions League and La Liga in the same season.  They don’t necessarily need to spend large amounts on strengthening their defence, but consistency and reliability are key. Also, they should look into the possibility of signing another goalkeeper who can put pressure on Casillas to perform; if he fails to do so a few matches on the bench will be good for him.

Real Madrid have failed to win as a team, there appears to be a lot of individualism and selfishness on the field, the forwards seem to be more preoccupied of their personal goal tally than the teams victory. Their style of play needs to change and their must be a much greater unity within the team. Maybe the manager or Valdano is not allowing there to be a close bond between the players. Football is a team game, it’s won as a team game and lost as a team game; many teams this season it has been hard to say that Real Madrid have played like a team.

Manuel Pellegrini – Another Madrid Manager, Another Victim

The team have failed to fulfil their ambitious and objectives, therefore let’s sack the manager. That would be a wrong decision. Real Madrid demand instant success and sometimes success can’t be delivered instantly. Since the defeat to Lyon the press has put immense pressure on Pellegrini and he does not deserve the treatment. Sacking him would mean that the past season was a waste, a whole year’s worth of work and progress was thrown away. We can see that the Chilean manager is building a strong time which needs times. If the players can play to his style then Real Madrid could become an unstoppable force.

But, that’s not the way how things work or that is not the way how Valdano and Pérez see things. They want trophies and they want them now, they can’t wait one or two seasons for them. If Manuel Pellegrini fails to win a trophy it will be likely that he will get the typical Pérez kick. This may have a positive or negative effect on the team; some players seem to get along better with him than others.

Real Madrid want to win, they have a motivated team, a team full of champions. In order for them to play at their best there must be discipline and teamwork; also, a change in style of play. Their direct approach with long balls is highly predictable this year and they need to start playing quality football.

If Real don’t take a trophy home it will be hard to say that it was a good season. What has happened to one of football’s greatest teams? Why aren’t they winning like they used to? Are there too many foreigners in the squad?

Madrid’s main target was the Champions League and they failed this year; they all have to be blamed: the President, The Sporting Director, the players and the manager. There is sufficient time to build a stronger team for next season, but can Pérez wait?