The beginnings of Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid went without incident so far during the FIFA club World Cup this summer.
Alonso made his return to the Spanish capital in May, accepting a three -year contract to replace Carlo Ancelotti.
Its immediate mission is to propel Real Madrid as far as possible in the competition, after the absence of a trophy during the regular 2024/25 season.
Two victories and a draw allowed Real Madrid to finish at the top of group H, qualifying the match of the knockout stages against Juventus on July 1.
Before this match, Alonso hopes that his key striker Kylian Mbappé will be back, the French international who missed the entire group phase due to illness.
Kylian Mbappé will soon be back
Before the last group of Real Madrid-a 3-0 victory against RB Salzburg-Alonso confirmed that he would not take any risks for Mbappé against the Austrians.
The objective was to keep it in shape for Juventus, and it is on the right track, since Gonzalo Garcia should be on the bench.
Mbappé won the Liga gold shoe with 31 league goals and 43 in total, but questions remain as for its adequacy with Vinicius Junior.
Under Ancelotti, Mbappé has evolved in the middle of the attack, while Vini Jr kept his post of left side, a position which he particularly likes. Alonso must therefore find a way to have them play together.
Former German and United States coach Jürgen Klinsmann said that could define Alonso's first season at the head of the team.
A big concern with Mbappé
« The teams with Messi are the only ones who can afford to defend ten. Real Madrid tries to make Mbappé and Vinicius back down to defend. Am I convinced that Alonso will succeed? No. ” According to Marca.
These are two personalities that Xabi must manage, and I am sure that the team will compensate to get the most out. In PSG, it did not work during these two years with Neymar, Mbappé and Messi.
Xabi will find it difficult to make them both defend them better. »»
