Real Madrid are navigating a difficult stretch under Jose Mourinho, with the club sitting fourth in LaLiga on 15 points from seven games after a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid. That result has sharpened scrutiny on a squad still adapting to their new manager's methods, and Marc Cucurella has called for patience, insisting the team needs time to adjust to Mourinho's philosophy following his summer arrival at the Bernabeu.

The problems are mounting ahead of Saturday's home fixture against Villarreal. Mourinho is reportedly considering dropping Vinicius Jr to the bench due to a dip in form, a significant call given the Brazilian's status as one of the club's key attackers. Compounding matters, a defensive injury crisis is forcing Mourinho to consider Tchouameni and academy players as emergency solutions at centre-back, with several first-team regulars unavailable through injury and suspension.

There are brighter notes in the squad picture. Arda Guler has signed a new contract until 2031, securing one of the club's most exciting young talents for the long term. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham delivered a standout performance for England, scoring and providing three assists in a 7-0 win over Croatia, a timely reminder of his quality. With Villarreal arriving this weekend and El Clasico against Barcelona scheduled for October 25, Mourinho needs results quickly.