Barely installed on the Real Madrid sidelines, Xabi Alonso has not lost a second to print his brand. In a private meeting held in Valdebebas, the former Roja strategist would, according to sources close to the locker room, declared bluntly:“Mbappé will be the soul of my team. »»An announcement as sudden as it is a shattering that immediately sowed trouble in the Madrid locker room.
While the group still thought that Jude Bellingham or Vinicius Jr. would be the pillars of the post-Ancelotti, Alonso surprised everyone by placing his absolute confidence in the newcomer, Kylian Mbappé. And this, despite the presence of a Vinicius in the process of extending until 2029, or a Bellingham considered to be the darling of socios.
The choice of the Basque technician would not be purely symbolic. Mbappé, with his 39 goals this season, has largely outraged Vinicius (21) and Rodrygo (14), becoming the top scorer in club history for a first season, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo or Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Better still, its hat-trick during the last Clásico (3-4) was perceived as a strong signal: the Mbappé era indeed started.
According to the newspaperAS, Xabi Alonso provides for a complete tactical overhaul from the preseason. A 4-2-3-1 centered on in-depth calls and rapid transitions, a tailor-made plan to exploit the qualities of Mbappé as much as possible. And in this new system, Vinicius Jr. could be repositioned to the left of an offensive trio … or sacrificed if his adaptation does not follow.
But this flash ascent of Mbappé is not only happy. Internally, some voices are rising. A team executive, which remained anonymous, would have entrusted toMark : “We were promised a united team, not a cult of personality. »»An electric atmosphere is therefore set behind, even if officially, all the speeches remain measured.
This tense climate does not seem to reach Mbappé, which remains serene and humble according to the members of the staff. “He is the first to arrive at training, the last to leave. He does not ask for any special treatment, ”reveals a physical trainer.
Alonso’s decision would also be strategically supported by management. Florentino Pérez, aware of the media importance and marketing of Mbappé, would see in this choice an opportunity to build a new galactic dynasty.
But the soap is just beginning. Hidden tensions could explode in full summer preparation, especially if historical frameworks feel their influence decrease. Until then, all eyes are turned towards July 10, the date of the first friendly match of the pre-season … where Mbappé should wear the captain’s armband.
