Relax. LaLiga 2017-18 and 2018-2019 both had Madrid finishing 3rd. These things always turn around. We just have to be smart and a bit lucky with the signings to bounce back.
We're gonna have a hard time IMO, and need more than a bit of luck. Because even if you sign a few top players and strengthen the first 11, the current crop of high earners and veterans who should be able to provide excellent squad options will be next to useless as they proved they are. So you actually need to continue to invest and find players for 2-3 years. We're talking about 10 new players. 4-5 starters, and 4-5 good, dependable, squad options that can provide impact from the bench.
You need about 10 good defenders and forwards to sort out the attack and defense.
Look at options at LB and RB. With the way Dest is progressing, Mingueza tanking hard this season, we'll need around 4 new fullbacks.
. Add 2 cbs, then 3 new forwards. And at least a top goalkeeper if not 2.
2 + 4 + 3 + 1-2. That's around 10 new players. 5 starters, and 5 squad options but who can play well when needed, not filler-types.
We have so much dead wood to clear it's crazy.
On a count we need to clear:
Pique, Umtiti, Lenglet, Luuk, Coutinho, Alba (next season), Busquets, Stegen, Mingueza (probably), Demir, probably Braithwaite too, probably Dest. About 12 players IMO. Half the squad needs to go, half a squad needs to come in.
That's to fight toe to toe with Madrid (they will improve their squad even more in the near future) for La Liga title, and compete for CL in a way that doesn't end with a 0-5 aggregate loss or a group stage exit.
