Carlo Ancelotti identifies problems but also solutions. Real Madrid is missing two wing-backs, a center-back and, above all, a creative pivot.
The wing-back issue has been solved for next season. The arrival of Alexander-Arnold and Alphonso Davies at no cost this summer more than covers Real Madrid's needs.
Until then, Ancelotti believes that he can move on with Lucas Vázquez, Mendy, Fran García and, occasionally, Militão or Rüdiger. Camavinga can also play in that position.
The central defender is more complicated, but there will be a solution by next summer. Leny Yoro's departure to Manchester United when Real Madrid had agreed to sign him this summer ruined Ancelotti's plans.
Until a great center-back arrives to compete with Militão and Rüdiger, Real Madrid will rely on Tchouaméni in that position. David Alaba is not an option: a serious setback.
But Ancelotti's real concern is filling the gap left vacant by Toni Kroos with a quality replacement. That is the real problem for the current Real Madrid team, which has started the season generating a lot of uncertainty.
Real Madrid Needs a New Kroos
Real Madrid misses Kroos to link the lines and find the lethal pass that left his attacking teammates in the best position to score.
Kroos's work was often obscure and it seemed as if he weren't there, but he was the one who moved the team. Modric will play less and less, he will leave the club at the end of the season and Real Madrid needs a new, top-level pivot.
The number one target is Rodri, the Manchester City footballer from Madrid who's competing with Vinícius for the Ballon d'Or.
Rodri is currently unreachable. His contract expires in 2027. In addition, City has offered to extend his contract until 2030 with a contract of 24 million euros per year.
That would put him ahead of Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne on the salary scale.
Rodri's Transfer will be a Slow-cooking Process
Florentino wouldn't accept breaking the salary balance of his squad by incorporating Rodry and placing him above Vinícius or Mbappé. But Rodri is not ruled out for Real Madrid, but rather he's a transfer that will be cooked slowly.
Real Madrid is closely following the hearing on the 115 cases involving Manchester City arising from irregularities with Financial Fair Play.
It's hard to believe that City won't be found guilty of management malpractice in none of the 115 cases. It's expected to be subject to very severe sanctions.
These include relegation and the possibility of forcing the club to give up its key players.
And that's where Real Madrid comes in, offering him to return home (Rodri is from Madrid) and play for the best club in the world.
The first contacts between Real Madrid and Rodri have already taken place. The player already knows that Real Madrid is interested in signing him.
New Year's Sentence
The influential English outlet The Athletic explains it with crystal clarity: "there's another consideration to take into account. In addition to the money, there's the background and ambition he enjoys at City."
"Real Madrid can also offer sunhine and the family factor."
He added: "At the moment there's no other club that could sign Rodri, neither for financial reasons nor for sporting aspirations. But City has always suspected that one day Madrid could pay them a visit. To a certain extent, that day has arrived."
The Athletic subscribes to the theory that City will be given a summary trial. "Madrid is prepared to wait and see the outcome of the 115 charges brought against City by the Premier League."
And he claims that "it's been reported that a sentence is expected by new year. Madrid's thinking is that if City's found guilty and receives a greater sanction, then there may be an opportunity to make a move for Rodri."