Real Madrid fans express deep apathy and disappointment over 2025-26 season performance
Supporters cite lack of midfield cohesion and board indecision as primary drivers of a campaign described as "awful" and "hopeless"
A significant wave of disillusionment has swept through the Real Madrid supporter base, with a prominent discussion on the fan-led Daily Merengue forum characterising the 2025-26 campaign as fundamentally broken. The thread, authored by user Juninho, describes the season as "awful" and "hopeless," attributing the club's struggles to a distinct lack of leadership on the pitch and a perceived directionless approach from the board. This sentiment suggests that the current squad lacks the necessary cohesion to compete at the highest level, leaving fans feeling that the project has lost its former allure.
Central to this criticism is the perceived failure of the midfield unit, which fans argue has failed to provide the stability required to support the team's attacking ambitions. While the author acknowledges the tactical utility of Trent Alexander-Arnold, noting his 1,537 minutes across 26 appearances and his starts in the last six Champions League games, concerns remain regarding his long-term fit and defensive reliability. The discussion posits that while Alexander-Arnold offers a solution to specific build-up issues, he is viewed more as a symptom reliever than a long-term cure for the squad's structural weaknesses.
Amidst the prevailing negativity, the forum post identifies three specific areas of positivity within the squad. Tchouaméni receives specific plaudits for his midfield dominance, while Dean Huijsen is highlighted for establishing himself as a consistent defensive presence. Furthermore, Rodrygo is singled out for his effectiveness in an attacking-midfield role, offering a positive contrast to the rest of the team. These isolated successes, however, are not seen as sufficient to offset the broader sense of despair regarding the club's overall trajectory.
The conversation also delves into the managerial landscape, exploring the feasibility of appointing José Mourinho to enforce a meritocratic, counter-attacking style. The author argues that Mourinho's personality and track record would allow him to demand respect from both the dressing room and the board, potentially ending the era of protecting underperforming stars. However, this proposal is complicated by internal fan sentiment, with recent polls indicating a strong preference for Jurgen Klopp over Mourinho. Fans currently view the Portuguese manager as a potential "time-bomb" due to fears of ego clashes, despite the board's interest in his pragmatic approach.
Ultimately, the discussion reflects a broader apathy among supporters who feel the club has shifted from a place of passion to one of profit over love. The author expresses a numbness to the results, suggesting that the stars of the team are incompatible and uncoachable. With the board described as indecisive and the potential for summer changes looking bleak, the consensus on the Daily Merengue forum is that the club is in a state of slow-motion decline, with little light at the end of the tunnel.
