Zidane is in a tactical mess

Posted Tuesday, August 13, 2019 by Marca.com

Real Madrid's final friendly of the summer came against AS Roma, and Zinedine Zidane appears to be in a tactical mess with the Frenchman using two polar opposite systems during the course of the match.

At the start it was an ultra-defensive setup which at half-time turned into an attacking line-up which included Eden Hazard, Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior and Luka Jovic all at the same time.

Unfortunately for Los Blancos, they conceded two goals against the Giallorossi and this raised the grand total to 18 goals conceded throughout Zidane's first pre-season back with the club.

In the seven matches played, Los Merengues only won two and there was also the small matter of the 7-3 defeat to Atletico Madrid which has left a dark stain on the club's preparations for the new campaign.

With just six days until the start of the new LaLiga Santander season, nobody is quite sure just how Real Madrid will set up in their first match.

There needs to be a way to stop the bleeding at the back, whilst there is still the possibility of further additions before the transfer window closes.

Against Red Bull Salzburg, Zidane opted to start Eder Militao and Casemiro and these selections facilitated the move away from the 4-3-3 formation which has become the standard issue throughout Zidane's two spells as coach.

A more defensive solid 5-3-2 was the order against both Red Bull Salzburg and Roma, or at least it should have been in theory.

Chances were still readily available for the Italian giants on Sunday, and this is something that Real Madrid have to eradicate if they are to have any success this term.