Real Madrid coaches believe key player should do more in midfield this season

After three successive wins to start the season, a 1-0 loss to Real Betis came as a reality check for Real Madrid, who are still some way off matching the quality and consistency of Barcelona.

In light of the defeat, the Real Madrid coaching staff is analysing the best way to get the most out of the current setup.

Valverde must improve in coming matches. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

According to Defensa Central , one of the key conclusions drawn from the Betis defeat is that Real Madrid need greater involvement from Federico Valverde with the ball.

The Uruguayan has been deployed as the pivot, largely due to the absence of the injured Aurelien Tchouameni, but he is yet to make the step up in quality the team requires from that role.

While his effort and commitment are never in doubt, Mourinho and his staff, led by Sami Khedira, feel Valverde spends too much time positioned behind the opposition's midfield line.

As a result, he fails to offer passing lanes to his teammates when they are under pressure, forcing them into hurried, aimless clearances rather than playing out cleanly from the back.

That concern has already been communicated to Valverde, who is still adapting to a position he has never truly played, making the challenge all the more difficult for him.

Mourinho must find answers soon. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

However, the problem is not Valverde's alone, with the coaching staff identifying a wider issue in the team's structure.

Khedira has reportedly noted a certain passivity from the attackers in the videos of the match, particularly Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe, when it comes to offering themselves as the ball transitions from midfield into attacking areas.

That lack of movement compounds the difficulties for the deeper midfielders.

Mourinho, for his part, remains unfazed by the departure of Rodri to Barcelona, insisting his squad has the tools to cope.

"I'm not missing Rodri. We have solutions, we have quality," the Portuguese said, before adding that he backs his ability to improve players.

With a Champions League opener against Inter Milan on the horizon , Mourinho and his staff will be keen to iron out these issues quickly.