Casemiro’s Move to Manchester United
Manchester United’s summer signing of Casemiro from Real Madrid for a hefty €71 million was seen as a strategic move to inject a winning mentality and seasoned experience into a dressing room that had lost its way. However, the transition has not been as smooth as anticipated, with the Brazilian struggling to replicate the dominant form that made him a key player at the Santiago Bernabeu. Casemiro himself has been introspective, delving into the reasons behind his performance drop and the more profound question of what makes Real Madrid so consistently successful and resilient.
The Culture of Success at Real Madrid
When Casemiro reflects on his time at Real Madrid, he points to a multifaceted culture of success that is deeply ingrained within the club. "When you are inside and then leave the club, as has happened to me, you look for the most complete response to what you have experienced," he shared with Diario AS. The cornerstone of this culture, according to Casemiro, is the meticulous preparation and values instilled in players from the moment they join. He highlights the club’s history of legendary figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, and Iker Casillas, who exemplified the Madrid way. As the torch was passed to players like himself, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos, and then to the newer generation including Vinicius Jr., Federico Valverde, and Rodrygo, the core values and spine of the club remained unbroken. "The president himself transmits those values to you. When you arrive at Madrid, you see it and you soak them up. You know who to follow," he explained.
The Atmosphere and Demands of Madrid
The success and attitude at Real Madrid extend beyond the confines of the Santiago Bernabeu. They are a product of the city’s prestigious environment and the club’s relentless drive for excellence. "When you enter Madrid, you already know that you are going to land in the best team in the world. And when you put on the shirt for the first time, you already know that you belong there. You believe it because you see your dream fulfilled," Casemiro noted. The Bernabeu fans, known for their high standards and demand for continuous improvement, play a crucial role in this culture. "The Bernabeu fans are the most demanding in the world. You are lea and youding are winning the game, and they still ask you to keep going forward and look for more, not to look back," he added. This atmosphere fosters a mindset of relentless pursuit, pushing players to always aim higher.
The Winning Mentality
At the heart of Real Madrid’s success is a singular focus on winning, regardless of the scoreline. "The key to everything is that Madrid is made to win. I don’t care how it is. 1-0 or 5-0. Madrid is about winning. Win, next match. Win and go for another victory again. You don’t talk about the previous one. They get you used to winning. Madrid is made for that," Casemiro emphasized. This unwavering commitment to victory is a core value that the club ingrains in its players. Even a league title is not enough to quell the desire for more; if a team wins the European Cup, the next day they are reminded to aim for another. This constant pressure to perform and achieve has been a driving force behind the club’s unprecedented success, both in the 1960s and in recent years.
The Power of Comebacks
One of the most striking aspects of Real Madrid’s success is their remarkable ability to stage comebacks, often in the most crucial moments. Casemiro attributes this to the club’s overall attitude and the belief that anything is possible. "Los Blancos have put together two unrivalled runs of European success in the 1960s and over the last decade in the Champions League. A large part of that has been their trademarked comebacks, more often than not at the Santiago Bernabeu," he said. This ability to bounce back is not just a product of the stadium’s atmosphere but a reflection of the team’s mental fortitude and the club’s relentless pursuit of victory. Even during difficult times, the belief in turning things around never wavers.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti and President Florentino Perez
Casemiro’s observations are echoed by manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has noted the club’s forward-thinking mentality. After their most recent Champions League triumph, Ancelotti revealed that President Florentino Perez was already discussing the next victory. This attitude of constant ambition is a hallmark of the club’s leadership. "Well yes. If Madrid loses a game, even if it comes from ten wins in a row, it is called a crisis. That is the key to Madrid’s eternal success," Casemiro added. The club’s ability to maintain such high standards and respond to setbacks with determination is a testament to the unwavering support and pressure from both the fans and the management. This culture of never being satisfied, even after significant achievements, keeps the team motivated and hungry for more.
Advice for Vinicius Jr.
In the same interview, Casemiro offered some words of advice to his international teammate Vinicius Jr. He believes that Vinicius, despite his immense talent and recent successes, could benefit from a more focused approach. "Vinicius has incredible potential, but he needs to concentrate more on the game and the task at hand. Real Madrid is a club where you can’t afford to take your foot off the gas. Every match, every training session, is an opportunity to prove yourself and improve," Casemiro advised. This highlights the importance of continuous improvement and the high standards set by the club, not just for newcomers but for all players, regardless of their status.
