(foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
Xabi Alonso wasted no time as Real Madrid coach, warning Mbappe and Vinicius that nonchalance and lack of defensive effort will no longer be tolerated.
Xabi Alonso has delivered a firm message to Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior in his first week as Real Madrid’s new head coach, telling the club’s attacking stars that their defensive work rate must improve—immediately.
At the team’s first full meeting in the U.S. ahead of the Club World Cup, Alonso gathered the squad for an hour-long talk to outline his expectations. According to Spanish media, while he didn’t call out players by name, his message was clearly aimed at Real’s marquee forwards.
“It will not be enough to just wait for the ball to come so you can score. You will have to fight for every ball and take responsibility defensively. Enough of that nonchalant behavior,” Alonso told the team.
Both Mbappe and Vinicius have faced criticism in the past for their lack of defensive contribution, with reports of frustration from teammates like Jude Bellingham last season. Alonso has now made it clear: under his leadership, such habits won’t be tolerated.
Alonso’s appointment followed the departure of Carlo Ancelotti after a disappointing campaign. Now leading the team into the Club World Cup, the former Bayer Leverkusen boss is already stamping his authority on the dressing room.
Real Madrid open their Club World Cup campaign on Wednesday against Al Hilal, with all eyes on how Mbappe and Vinicius respond to their coach’s challenge.