“Too much muscle” – Predrag Mijatovic Blames Real Madrid Midfield For Shocking Defeat to LOSC Lille

Real Madrid legend Predrag Mijatovic has blamed the midfield for Los Blancos’ 1-0 defeat to LOSC Lille on Matchday 2 of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League season. He believes Carlo Ancelotti’s team has “too much muscle” and little creativity in the middle of the park, which is hurting their performance.

Predrag Mijatovic Advises Carlo Ancelotti to Bring More Creative Players to Real Madrid Midfield

With Toni Kroos gone and Luka Modric in his twilight years, Real Madrid currently has a rather physical first-choice midfield unit. Fede Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Jude Bellingham have all proven themselves in one match or the other, but it has not always come together.

After Wednesday’s defeat at Lille, Mijatovic said on Cadena SER (via Forbes):

“Honestly, I’m not convinced by this midfield. I think the problem against Lille was the midfield. It’s a midfield that is too physical and without much creativity.

“I’ve missed Luka Modric a lot and Toni Kroos is not there. I think Tchouameni, Camavinga and Valverde are too much muscle and have too much toughness with the ball. I don’t think it’s a suitable midfield for this Real Madrid game.”

Mijatovic Defends Vinicius Jr. Amid Criticism

Ballon d’Or favorite Vinicius Jr. has received criticism for his lackluster showing in the defeat against Lille. Mijatovic, however, does not think so much criticism is justified.

On Vinicius Jr., he added:

“You were talking about Vinicius’ poor performance, but his way of playing depends a lot on the balls that come to him. And against Lille, we didn’t have the creative midfield that can give him the useful balls to play his game.”

Young striker Endrick started his first match for Real Madrid on Wednesday, but his performance was not anything to write home about. Mijatovic believes he is not ready for the challenge just yet and advises Ancelotti to ease him in.

“I don’t think Endrick is ready to play as a starter yet. This year I think he has to come off the bench to take advantage when the rival team lowers the level to score a goal,” he said on the Endric topic.

The defeat at Lille ended Real Madrid’s 36-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. Ancelotti and Co. will be eager not to lose their 40-game unbeaten streak in La Liga when they take on Villarreal this Saturday, October 5.