From Monte Carlo, Carlos Alcaraz has offered a blunt outsider’s view of Real Madrid’s unsettled start to the Spanish season. The world of tennis will take him to London this weekend, but the Spaniard’s attention has also been caught by the uncertainty around his country’s most decorated club.
Madrid arrive at this point of the campaign in fourth place in La Liga after last Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Atlético de Madrid. They have 15 points, leaving them six behind leaders Barcelona, their other great domestic rival.
Alcaraz sees a team still searching for balance
Asked about Real Madrid’s form, Alcaraz said there are presently other sides functioning better, despite the individual quality available to the Madrid squad.
“Real Madrid have excellent, very talented players,” he said. “But as a collective they can improve. They need to find a better understanding. I suffer when I watch their matches because you never know what is going to happen. I think they need a little more intensity.”
It is a familiar concern in a city where expectations rarely allow much patience. The loss to Atlético has added weight to an early gap behind Barcelona, with Madrid now needing greater consistency if they are to avoid letting the title race drift away before the season settles.
A London stop after the wrist setback
Alcaraz will turn back to his own sport at the Laver Cup in London, where he is seeking match sharpness following a wrist injury. Alexander Zverev, who is pursuing the ATP No. 1 ranking, will also be part of the event.
The Spaniard said the London competition represented an important opportunity after missing out on the trophy a year ago. “It will be a major test for me,” Alcaraz said. “I did not manage to win it last year, and I will do everything possible to take it back. It is my first time in London this year, so I am really looking forward to it.”
