A few years ago, there was a celebrated and successful player I was working with, and despite his status in the game he used to always get very worried when he was coming back from injury. In fact, that very status almost made him more anxious. He was worried about living up to expectations of him.

It is something that has come to mind when watching Real Madrid in what has been a stuttering start to the season from a team that is just so good. Given how sensationally they started the campaign with the Super Cup win over Barcelona too, it feels like the initial dip in results has got to them, and that there is now an anxiety - and damaging self-perpetuating impatience - about putting it right again.

They are not as fluent as they should be, and opposition sides are creating so many more chances and openings against them. They are just becoming a bit stretched - both in terms of their structure and, now, their mentality.

FIFPro 55 best players in the world Show all 55 1 /55 FIFPro 55 best players in the world FIFPro 55 best players in the world Gianluigi Buffon - Italy, Juventus BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 12: Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group D match between FC Barcelona and Juventus at Camp Nou on September 12, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world David De Gea - Spain, Manchester United MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: David De Gea of Manchester United celebrates his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on September 17, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Keylor Navas - Costa Rica, Real Madrid BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 13: Keylor Navas of Real Madrid in action during the Supercopa de Espana Supercopa Final 1st Leg match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Camp Nou on August 13, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images,) Getty Images, FIFPro 55 best players in the world Manuel Neuer - Germany, Bayern Munich MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 16: Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer of FC Bayern Muenchen watches the match during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Allianz Arena on September 16, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bongarts/Getty Images) Bongarts/Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Jan Oblak - Slovenia, Atletico Madrid ROME, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 12: Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak looks on during the UEFA Champions League group C match between AS Roma and Atletico Madrid at Stadio Olimpico on September 12, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world David Alaba - Austria, Bayern Munich SINGAPORE - JULY 27: David Alaba of Bayern Muenchen runs with the ball during the International Champions Cup 2017 match between Bayern Muenchen and Inter Milan at National Stadium on July 27, 2017 in Singapore, Singapore. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images) Bongarts/Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Jordi Alba - Spain, Barcelona BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 13: Jordi Alba of Barcelona looks on prior to the Supercopa de Espana Supercopa Final 1st Leg match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Camp Nou on August 13, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images,) Getty Images, FIFPro 55 best players in the world Dani Alves - Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian defender Dani Alves celebrates their win on the pitch after the UEFA Champions League Group B football match between Celtic and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Celtic Park in Glasgow, on September 12, 2017. PSG won the game 5-0. / AFP PHOTO / Franck FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Jerome Boateng - Germany, Bayern Munich MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 12: Jerome Boateng of Bayern Muenchen runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League group B match between FC Bayern Muenchen and RSC Anderlecht at Allianz Arena on September 12, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images) Bongarts/Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Leonardo Bonucci - Italy, Juventus/AC Milan MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 17: Leonardo Bonucci of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 17, 2017 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Dani Carvajal - Spain, Real Madrid BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 13: Daniel Carvajal of Real Madrid looks on during the Supercopa de Espana Supercopa Final 1st Leg match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Camp Nou on August 13, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images,) Getty Images, FIFPro 55 best players in the world Giorgio Chiellini - Italy, Juventus GENOA, ITALY - AUGUST 26: Giorgio Chiellini of Juventus in action during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Juventus at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 26, 2017 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Diego Godin - Uruguay, Atletico Madrid MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 16: Diego Godin of Atletico de Madrid wins the header after Diego Gonzalez of Malaga CF during the La Liga match between Club Atletico Madrid and Malaga CF at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on September 16, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Mats Hummels - Germany, Bayern Munich MUNICH, GERMANY - AUGUST 18: Mats Hummels of Bayern Muenchen controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Allianz Arena on August 18, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Bongarts/Getty Images) Bongarts/Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Phillipp Lahm - Germany, Bayern Munich/retired MUNICH, GERMANY - MAY 20: Philipp Lahm of Bayern Muenchen poses with the Championship trophy in celebration of the 67th German Championship title following the Bundesliga match between Bayern Muenchen and SC Freiburg at Allianz Arena on May 20, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images) Bongarts/Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world David Luiz - Brazil, Chelsea LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: David Luiz of Chelsea reacts during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on September 17, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images) Chelsea FC via Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Marcelo - Brazil, Real Madrid Real Madrid's defender from Brazil Marcelo looks on during the UEFA Champions League football match Real Madrid CF vs APOEL FC at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on September 13, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU (Photo credit should read PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Javier Mascherano - Argentina, Barcelona BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 07: Javier Mascherano of FC Barcelona plays the ball during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Chapecoense at Camp Nou stadium on August 7, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Pepe - Portugal, Real Madrid/Besiktas Besiktas' Portuguese defender Pepe controls the ball during a training session on the eve of the UEFA Champions League Group G football match FC Porto vs Besiktas at the Dragao stadium in Porto, on September 12, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / MIGUEL RIOPA (Photo credit should read MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Gerard Pique - Spain, Barcelona BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 09: Gerard Pique of Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Camp Nou on September 9, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Sergio Ramos - Spain, Real Madrid MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 13: Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his sides third goal during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Real Madrid and APOEL Nikosia at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 13, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Thiago Silva - Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian defender Thiago Silva applauds during the French L1 football match Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) vs Toulouse FC (TFC) at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on August 20, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / bertrand GUAY (Photo credit should read BERTRAND GUAY/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Samuel Umtiti - France, Barcelona BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 07: Samuel Umtiti of FC Barcelona enters the pitch ahead of the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Chapecoense at Camp Nou stadium on August 7, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Antonio Valencia - Ecuador, Manchester United MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Manchester United player Antonio Valencia in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on September 17, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Raphael Varane - France, Real Madrid Real Madrid's French defender Raphael Varane (L) vies with Barcelona's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez during the second leg of the Spanish Supercup football match Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on August 16, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JAVIER SORIANO (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Thiago Alcantara - Spain, Bayern Munich GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 19: Thiago Alcantara of Bayern Muenchen (r) fights for the ball with Nabil Bentaleb of Schalke during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and FC Bayern Muenchen at Veltins-Arena on September 19, 2017 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images) Bongarts/Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Sergio Busquets - Spain, Barcelona GETAFE, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 16: Sergio Busquets of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the La Liga match between Getafe and Barcelona at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on September 16, 2017 in Getafe, . (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Casemiro - Brazil, Real Madrid LA CORUNA, SPAIN - AUGUST 20: Casemiro of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring the second goal during the La Liga match between Deportivo La Coruna and Real Madrid at Riazor Stadium on August 20, 2017 in La Coruna, Spain. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Philippe Coutinho - Brazil, Liverpool LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League group E match between Liverpool FC and Sevilla FC at Anfield on September 13, 2017 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) Liverpool FC via Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Eden Hazard - Belgium, Chelsea LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Eden Hazard of Chelsea in action during the UEFA Champions League Group C match between Chelsea FC and Qarabag FK at Stamford Bridge on September 12, 2017 in London, United Kingdom (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Andres Iniesta - Spain, Barcelona BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 07: Andres Iniesta of FC Barcelona holds the trophy after the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Chapecoense at Camp Nou stadium on August 7, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Isco - Spain, Real Madrid SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 17: Isco Alarcon of Real Madrid CF runs with the ball during the La Liga match between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid at Anoeta stadium on September 17, 2017 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world N'Golo Kante - France, Chelsea LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: N'Golo Kante of Chelsea runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on September 17, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Toni Kroos - Germany, Real Madrid MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 09: Toni Kroos of Real Madrid CF reacts during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Levante at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 9, 2017 in Madrid, . (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Nemanja Matic - Serbia, Chelsea/Manchester United MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Nemanja Matic of Manchester United shows appreciation to the fans after the UEFA Champions League Group A match between Manchester United and FC Basel at Old Trafford on September 12, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Luka Modric - Croatia, Real Madrid LA CORUNA, SPAIN - AUGUST 20: Luka Modric of Real Madrid in action during the La Liga match between Deportivo La Coruna and Real Madrid at Riazor Stadium on August 20, 2017 in La Coruna, Spain. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Mesut Ozil - Germany, Arsenal LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal and AFC Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on September 9, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Paul Pogba - France, Manchester United SWANSEA, WALES - AUGUST 19: Paul Pogba of Manchester United celebrates after the Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at Liberty Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images) Man Utd via Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Marco Verratti - Italy, Paris Saint-Germain Paris Saint-Germain's Italian midfielder Marco Verratti runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group B football match between Celtic and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Celtic Park in Glasgow, on September 12, 2017. PSG won the game 5-0. / AFP PHOTO / Franck FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Arturo Vidal - Chile, Bayern Munich Arturo Vidal does not believe Chile have anything to fear against Portugal Getty FIFPro 55 best players in the world Gareth Bale - Wales, Real Madrid MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 09: Gareth Bale of Real Madrid CF reacts during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Levante at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 9, 2017 in Madrid, . (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) Getty FIFPro 55 best players in the world Karim Benzema - France, Real Madrid LA CORUNA, SPAIN - AUGUST 20: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid in action during the La Liga match between Deportivo La Coruna and Real Madrid at Riazor Stadium on August 20, 2017 in La Coruna, Spain. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Edinson Cavani - Uruguay, Paris Saint-Germain Paris Saint-Germain's Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani celebrates scoring the opening goal during the French Ligue 1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Lyon (OL) at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on September 17, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Paulo Dybala - Argentina, Juventus TOPSHOT - Juventus' Argentinian forward Paulo Dybala celebrates after scoring a goal during the Italian Serie A football match Sassuolo versus Juventus on September 17, 2017 at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia. / AFP PHOTO / MARCO BERTORELLO (Photo credit should read MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Antoine Griezmann - France, Atletico Madrid Atletico Madrids French striker Antoine Griezmann gestures during the first Audi Cup football match between Atletico Madrid and SSC Napoli in the stadium in Munich, southern Germany, on August 1, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Christof STACHE (Photo credit should read CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Sweden, Manchester United STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - MAY 24: Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Manchester United celebrates with the Europa League trophy after the UEFA Europa League Final match between Manchester United and Ajax at Friends Arena on May 24, 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images) Man Utd via Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Harry Kane - England, Tottenham Hotspur Even Harry Kane could not break the deadlock for Tottenham Getty FIFPro 55 best players in the world Robert Lewandowski - Poland, Bayern Munich Lewandoski thinks his team-mates should have helped him more Getty FIFPro 55 best players in the world Romelu Lukaku - Belgium, Manchester United Manchester United's Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku (C) celebrates after scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on September 17, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Oli SCARFF / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Kylian Mbappe - France, Paris Saint-Germain Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring the team's second goal during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on September 17, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / CHRISTOPHE SIMON (Photo credit should read CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Lionel Messi - Argentina, Barcelona BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 12: Lionel Messi of Barcelona looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group D match between FC Barcelona and Juventus at Camp Nou on September 12, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Neymar - Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar reacts after missing a shot on goal during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on September 17, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Cristiano Ronaldo - Portugal, Real Madrid MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 13: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Real Madrid and APOEL Nikosia at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 13, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Alexis Sanchez - Chile, Arsenal LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal reacts during the UEFA Europa League group H match between Arsenal FC and 1. FC Koeln at Emirates Stadium on September 14, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) Getty Images FIFPro 55 best players in the world Luis Suarez - Uruguay, Barcelona GETAFE, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 16: Luis Suarez of FC Barcelona looks on during the La Liga match between Getafe and Barcelona at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on September 16, 2017 in Getafe, . (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) Getty Images

They reached such a high level against Barcelona, and set such a standard, that the dropped points in subsequent league games then stunned them a bit. Of course, part of that was down to bad luck and goalkeepers having supreme displays, but what that then does is feed the anxiety so something that was freakish then becomes fixed. Bad luck can lead to bad decisions, because of the mental effect of them.

You could see it in the last five to 10 minutes of the shock home defeat to Real Betis. Their game became too stretched, with too many transitions, and every transition seemed to lead to a Betis chance.

Of course, the suspension of someone like Cristiano Ronaldo hasn’t helped, and the absence of Karim Benzema is also underrated. He is so important to how they move, to letting attackers like Cristiano score so much more. Real always play well with Benzema, he keeps the ball well and knows where and how to move in all three areas - either flank or the centre. He knows where to go to support the transition, and create numerical advantage in wide areas.

That has also led to an anxiety in some of Zinedine Zidane’s coaching decisions. I was so surprised he took off Luka Modric and also Isco against Betis, two players that can link their play together, provide the calmness and composure so badly required. Instead, he went for runners, but that only increased the rushed nature of their display.

It has all fed into the general feeling that, in trying to fix this as quick as possible, they are making it worse. They no longer look patient enough to allow a game or performance to ‘cook’.

Zidane also seems to be tinkering with his team too much, something that is in fashion in Europe right now, but isn’t helping set the style. I have always found that tinkering at this stage of the season actually creates more problems, because this is when regular games are actually required help players improve - something that is not the case in February.

While I wouldn’t say any of this is a long-term concern, it will be interesting to see how they respond over a longer period.

It’s also been interesting to see how Barcelona have responded. It’s remarkable now to think how lost they looked after the loss of that Super Cup match and the loss of Neymar. Any side can only respond in one of two ways, though, by allowing negativity to take over or asserting themselves. They have emphatically done the latter, not least Leo Messi. He looks more committed than ever, as if he wants to emphasise that he’s always been the most important player. Jordi Alba has also upped his game without Neymar there, while Ivan Rakitic has clicked.

Barca’s response actually reminds me of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, upping their stats when everyone expected a drop.

Here, everyone at Barca wants to show they are more than Neymar.