Real Madrid’s Offensive Crisis: A Call for a Classic Number 9 Amidst Egos and Expectations
Gareth Bale’s recent analysis of Real Madrid’s defeat at Anfield has ignited a firestorm of debate among fans and pundits alike. The former Madridista’s candid remarks about the team’s offensive shortcomings have laid bare the cracks in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, particularly in the attacking department. Bale’s observations resonate deeply with supporters who have witnessed the team’s struggles to convert chances into goals, especially against formidable opponents like Liverpool.
Bale’s critique centers on the lack of quality in the final third, a sentiment that echoes the frustrations of many Madrid fans. He pointedly remarked that players like Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Júnior failed to deliver the “magic” expected from them in crucial moments. This lack of offensive potency raises questions about the team’s reliance on individual brilliance, which, as Bale noted, does not always manifest on the biggest stages. The absence of a consistent goal-scoring threat has become a glaring issue for a club that prides itself on its attacking prowess.
The Welshman’s call for a classic number 9—a reference center forward—highlights a tactical gap that has emerged in Real Madrid’s approach. In modern football, the role of a traditional striker has evolved, but Bale’s insistence on the need for a finisher underscores the importance of having a player who can capitalize on crosses and attacking moves. The absence of such a player has left Madrid’s attacking efforts lacking direction and effectiveness. Bale’s assertion that “there was no one in the box for the crosses” points to a fundamental flaw in the team’s attacking strategy, one that has been exacerbated by the current squad’s composition.
Moreover, Bale’s comments extend beyond tactical analysis to the broader challenges faced by the coaching staff, particularly if Xabi Alonso were to take the reins in the future. Managing a club like Real Madrid is not solely about tactical acumen; it involves navigating the complex dynamics of a dressing room filled with high-profile players. Bale’s warning that “you have to manage more egos than make tactical changes” reflects the reality that coaching at this level requires a delicate balance of interpersonal skills and strategic thinking. The challenge of managing egos can be as daunting as addressing tactical deficiencies, especially in a club where expectations are sky-high.
Real Madrid’s current predicament is not merely a matter of on-field performance; it is a reflection of the club’s identity and aspirations. The team’s storied history is built on a foundation of attacking football, flair, and the ability to deliver in crucial moments. The absence of a reliable goal-scorer threatens to undermine this legacy, forcing the club to confront uncomfortable truths about its squad composition and strategic direction.
As the team grapples with its offensive woes, the performances of its wingers have also come under scrutiny. The discreet contributions of players like Vinicius Júnior and others in decisive phases of matches have raised concerns about their ability to step up when it matters most. The pressure to perform in high-stakes situations is immense, and the current squad must find a way to rise to the occasion consistently.
In light of these challenges, Real Madrid faces a period of reflection and decision-making. The club must assess its attacking options and consider the potential acquisition of a classic number 9 to provide the finishing touch that has been sorely lacking. This strategic move could reinvigorate the team’s attacking play and restore confidence among players and fans alike.
Bale’s analysis serves as a wake-up call for Los Blancos, urging them to confront the realities of their current situation. The need for a structural change in the attacking department is evident, and the club must act decisively to address this issue. The stakes are high, and the pressure to deliver results will only intensify as the season progresses. Real Madrid’s identity as a footballing powerhouse hinges on its ability to adapt and evolve, and the time for action is now.
Gareth Bale, the legendary former Madridista, analyzed Real Madrid’s defeat at Anfield for CBS, offering a raw and direct perspective on the problems facing Carlo Ancelotti’s team. The Welshman didn’t mince words, pointing to the lack of offensive effectiveness as the main burden for the Whites against a superior Liverpool. His words strongly resonate with Madrid fans, sparking a crucial debate about the current makeup of the squad.
“It was just a bit disappointing that final third there wasn’t really that kind of quality you’d expect from Real Madrid players.”@GarethBale11 and Thierry Henry on Real Madrid’s lack of end product tonight 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/SiacuTKSRz
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 4, 2025
The main focus of Bale’s criticism fell on the attacking area. The Welshman lamented the "lack of quality" in the final third, directly pointing to figures like Mbappé and Vinicius Júnior: "They didn’t produce any magic. It was disappointing that in the final third there wasn’t the quality you expect from Real Madrid". A statement that highlights the club’s reliance on individual brilliance that, on big nights, doesn’t always show up.
This offensive shortcoming led Bale to identify a structural need: the arrival of a reference center forward. The former footballer explained that crosses and attacking moves were left without a finisher, an obvious tactical gap. "Sometimes you need to go and test the defender. There was no one in the box for the crosses. Maybe you need a ‘9’", he concluded, hitting the nail on the head regarding the role of a classic striker.
Beyond the purely tactical, Bale also had words about the coach’s role. In a clear warning to a potential future manager, Xabi Alonso, the Welshman emphasized that managing the Whites goes beyond the tactics board. "It’s not the same to coach Leverkusen as it is to coach Real Madrid… you have to manage more egos than make tactical changes", he stressed. This management of egos presents as big a challenge as the sporting one in a dressing room full of global stars.
Between the lack of a goal-scoring reference, the discreet performance of their wingers in the decisive phase, and the complexity of their dressing room, Real Madrid faces a period of reflection and necessary decisions. The Welshman’s analysis is the wake-up call that Los Blancos needed.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.
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