Xabi Alonso arrived at Real Madrid with pressing issues to address in the dressing room. Carlo Ancelotti had struggled to manage the ego clashes that were prevalent among the players, prompting the coach from Tolosa to step in decisively to prevent these internal conflicts from negatively affecting the team’s performance. In this context, Alonso held a key conversation with one of the team’s biggest stars.
According to reports, Alonso met with Kylian Mbappé to address one of the Frenchman’s most significant challenges: his tense relationship with teammate Vinícius Júnior. Although communication between the two is virtually nonexistent, their coexistence on the pitch is crucial for Real Madrid’s future. The coach is working hard to improve their dynamic.
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Alonso urged Mbappé to increase his cooperation with Vinícius during matches, pointing out that the two still do not fully understand each other. In their first season together, there were glimpses of potential for a strong partnership—if both were willing to commit. However, Mbappé’s preference for playing on the left flank, the same position Vinícius typically occupies, has caused friction.
This situation has become one of the major challenges Alonso has been tackling since the squad began preparations for the Club World Cup in the United States. He believes that the synergy between Mbappé and Vinícius is critical to the team’s success and is determined to resolve the issue quickly, ensuring both players feel comfortable and aligned on the pitch.
Nevertheless, the ongoing clash of egos and their mutual desire to be the team’s leading forward may hinder their cooperation. Additionally, both players’ defensive limitations have led Alonso to adopt a no-nonsense approach. He expects every player to contribute defensively—and has made it clear that he will not hesitate to bench any star who fails to meet this standard.
