Maybe.. #15 : 28 April 2025

We Begin Again? Anew?

The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to d all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job, Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Kung_Fu_Zizou

Carlo 2.0 has probably sent an uncomfortably large number of people to early graves. The heart-stopping stuff of the two double winning seasons was so incredible that the Champions League finals themselves were some of the easiest games to watch. The fear of losing had been scared out of the players and fans alike by then.

It is time we bid the Don adieu!

Parting Gifts?

Arda Guler was on a high with Turkey during the summer at the Euros. It was as though he was ready for that next step. This did not materialize at the club despite Carlo going in depth during pre-season about the young Turk’s potential as midfielder who could direct play. Carlo’s apprehension was with Arda’s ability to defend like a pivot and he said as much. Carlo prefered then that Arda’s other strength’s closer to the opposition goal should be exploited. This too was underwhelming.. There are two types of players who are good on the ball, those who need space to run into or dribble and those who need a lot of touches on the ball. The first type usually has the speed to do maximum damage with few touches. The latter has to control and direct the play, they have to be part of the brain of the team, deciding how and when to attack etc. otherwise they can easily become frustrated and not be as influential.

Arda has found his place in midfield. His ability from wide areas to put in crosses or cut in and shoot will always be a profitable dimension in his game and he will be able to do those things even if he starts deeper than his usual isolated RW position. The youngster is good with both feet in terms of control, passing and shooting. He has the range of passing to be aggressive and vertical but he must be allowed to fail and learn. This is not to say he will be costing us games but simply that he will make mistakes as he progresses. He has the talent but will Carlo give him a chance in these remaining games to make a case for himself and better yet will he grab such a chance when given? What’s more.. will Xabi see him as a solution in midfield? I am sceptical but hopeful.

The 5 Major Leagues Don

Carlo leaves with a phenomenal legacy in tact. We should be happy to see him go only for the necessary change to occur. I do not take joy from a legend leaving but they must leave no matter how much they’ve contributed, when the time comes everyone must go.

As the club prepares to send Carlo off, he should be accompanied by fellow stalwarts of the game such as Luka Modric, Lucas Vazquez, Ferland Mendy and David Alaba.

It was argued ad nauseum that Modric would provide leadership in the dressing room and it was pivotal that he stays. I have not seen this effect. Shoulders have been slumped in a manner reminiscent of 2018/19. Dani Carvajal known for his exacting standards has been absent all season and it is clear that his competitive edge has been missed. I must also add that it seems the team has not managed to reach the required physical level this season. They have been sluggish and seemingly mentally fatigued as well. The tired mistakes, game after game show this. The players did not become poor overnight. Carlo’s lack of faith in young players only increased the burden on the players who were eventually defended by journalists as in the case of the ever-present, Fede Valverde.

Seen This Story Somewhere Before

Real Madrid turn their nose up at a young CB who wants to join only to rely on injured players and players who are overworked and on the brink of injury. We should definitely try that again.

One Humiliation Away From Defensive Reinforcements

Flo does not seem keen to splash the cash after achieving his dream to bring Kylian to the Bernabeu. If this attitude is not addressed we are headed for a repeat of Galacticos 1.0. Poorly assembled and consistently humbled. One more humiliation before the end of the season could be what we need to bring the message home.

Arbeloa With That Winning Feeling

Arbeloa has done a consistently good job at the academy and would probably start looking for opportunities to move his career forward. The Spaniard has mentored some quality youngsters during his time at La Fabrica. Most of the players will likely be sold on and linked with a return to the club whenever the have a good game but it must become clear now that the academy can strengthen and add stability to the first team.

FOOD FOR THOUGHTS ON THE FUTURE

A Future Starting Pair?

Memorable number 15s include Carvajal and Fede in recent memory. Does a similar fate await the young Arda Guler? One can only hope.

Jacobo and Joan have struggled with injury this season and while they are held in high regard in the academy they still need to play some serious first team minutes. The hope is that Xabi will be more willing to use the academy players to reinforce the first team. Maybe Xabi could also convince Fortea to stay.

This would leave us with 2 more options at CB. 1 more option at RB. We do not know if Dani will return to normal or for how long.

Ultimately we would at the very least need to sign Huijsen/CB and Kerkez/LB while taking other solutions from within the club.

Those thinking that a forward should leave do not appreciate that it will create an even more expensive problem. There is no reason why the forwards cannot rotate in the starting XI even if two of the three start majority of the big games. We will not get better by reducing depth and quality. As soon as one of the favoured two is unavailable the sky will fall. It would be a supreme lack of foresight to let any of the front three depart this summer.

¡Bienvenido A Casa, Xabier!