Real Madrid stumbled again in the UEFA Champions League, and the blow was bigger than expected. The loss against Benfica meant that the white team was out of the top eight of the group stage, and was forced to play an additional final round in order to survive in the continental tournament. This scenario set off all sorts of alarm bells for Real Madrid and prompted one of the harshest editorials in Spanish television history.
The person responsible for highlighting this crisis was Josep Pedrelor, who gave an uncompromising analysis of the moment the club was facing on the program Jugones, pointing directly to the attitude of the team and the lack of leadership on the bench.
Mbappe’s words sparked criticism from Pedreroll
After the match, Kylian Mbappé tried to explain the defeat as a “matter of desire”. Although this phrase did not please the Catalan journalist, he used it as the starting point for his most powerful editorials.
“Is it a matter of desire? What do you mean by desire? Does it mean that Madrid have less desire than Benfica?” Pedrelor asked, clearly irritated. For presenters, such statements reflect a deeper problem: a disconnect in the competitiveness of a team that has historically been characterized by a winning mentality in Europe.
Pedreroll points out lack of character and leadership on the bench
Beyond the results, Pedrelor’s analysis cuts straight to the heart of the sports project. The journalist made it clear that Real Madrid fans can forgive technical or tactical mistakes, but not a lack of attitude.
“Fans forgive mistakes, of course, but never carelessness, laziness or passivity.”
“Fans, of course, forgive mistakes, but never carelessness, laziness and passivity,” he said frankly. In this regard, he sent a direct message to the current manager. “Arbeloa, don’t become the second Xabi Alonso,” he said, referring to a style that, in his view, prioritizes discussion over demands.
“We need Mourinho here”, the message that shocked Real Madrid
The editorial’s conclusion was as clear as it was explosive. Pedreroll demanded fundamental changes to the management of the dressing room and put a controversial name on the table at the Bernabéu.
Real Madrid needs Mourinho
“We need Mourinho here, we need Mourinho here,” he said. For journalists, Real Madrid need a tough coach who can manage egos, demand maximum commitment and bring back to the team the competitive nature it seems to have lost.
This message has already caused a stir among fans. Beyond names and talent, Madrid once again faces an old question in Europe: Who is really running this team?
