Real Madrid uses international break to reset after defeats to Atlético and Betis

Real Madrid entered the international break with the need to reset after a heavy blow at the Metropolitano. The 1-2 defeat against Atlético de Madrid stirred a dressing room and a fanbase that had already shown signs of frustration in the opening weeks. The club expected a stronger start to the LaLiga season, but losses against Real Betis and Atlético have accelerated an internal debate about the team's performance.

Defeats to Betis and Atlético raise pressure at Real Madrid

This was not the start imagined inside the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid had already stumbled against Real Betis, and the trip to Atlético confirmed the team is struggling to find consistency. The numbers leave the club in an uncomfortable position in the table and increase the pressure on a project expected to compete for every title. Having Barcelona six points ahead does not help calm the mood.

Florentino Pérez keeps trust in Mourinho despite concerns

There has been no clash between Florentino Pérez and José Mourinho. The president remains fully confident in the Portuguese coach and has given him control over all sporting areas of the club. That authority extends to public communication: Mourinho was the one who spoke after the Metropolitano defeat, holding a paper that listed the two plays in which Real Madrid demanded red cards for Cuti Romero and Kang-In Lee.

The coach's position is not under threat, but concern is real. Some sectors of the club are watching with unease as Barcelona pulls away and the team shows a lack of clarity in certain phases of matches. Mourinho is aware of that climate and of the whistles heard at the Bernabéu, a clear signal that fans want an immediate response.

The international break as a chance to rearrange the plan

The Portuguese coach is using these days without competition to review the start of the LaLiga season and rebuild his roadmap. The goal is to arrive with clear ideas for the October 10 match against Villarreal, a demanding test to measure the team's reaction.

The schedule is tight. International players will not return until next week, which limits the time available to work with the full squad. Mourinho will have little room to prepare the fixture and must resolve several physical issues in a roster that has collected knocks and setbacks early in the campaign.

Mbappé, Konaté and Valverde keep the medical staff busy

Injuries are central to the planning. Kylian Mbappé and Konaté picked up problems with France during the international break, while Fede Valverde has been carrying discomfort since the derby against Atlético. Real Madrid is closely monitoring all three players in the hope they will be available for Villarreal.

El Clásico on October 25 is already on the horizon

Every decision Mourinho makes in the coming weeks is shaped by one date circled in red: El Clásico against Barcelona on October 25. The team needs to arrive at that match with recovered confidence and a manageable gap in the standings. The Villarreal game will work as a dress rehearsal to measure the group's response.

Madrid fans expect immediate solutions and Mourinho knows it. The break has helped lower the tension, review mistakes and prepare a plan to put Real Madrid back on a winning track. The reaction cannot wait much longer.