Current Situation of Real Madrid
Real Madrid, led by manager Xabi Alonso, has struggled to secure victories in recent matches. In the 13th round of La Liga, they drew 2-2 away against Elche. Previously, they failed to win against Liverpool (0-1) and Rayo Vallecano (0-0), marking three consecutive matches without a victory.
Although the team remains at the top of the league table, internal issues are becoming increasingly apparent. Their performance has been inconsistent, and against Elche, they struggled to maintain possession, barely managing to secure a point by equalizing twice.
Mbappe’s Call for High Press
During the Elche match, forward Kylian Mbappe actively encouraged his teammates. He shouted to midfielder Jude Bellingham, "Hey! We need press high!" urging the team to apply high pressing. He also motivated Vinicius Junior, who entered as a substitute, saying, "Let's go, Vini, we must score."
Mbappe’s actions reflect not only his personal desire to win but also a strong awareness of the need to return to structured defensive play. His calls served as a warning and a signal to help break the current slump.
Tactical Gaps and Frustration
Under Alonso, Real Madrid initially implemented aggressive high pressing combined with organized defense. Recently, however, pressing intensity and timing have decreased, resulting in tactical imbalance. Ball recovery numbers have declined, showing a clear drop in defensive engagement.
In the Elche match, a three-back formation was used, but players have not fully adapted. Tactical gaps have created frustration and impacted team cohesion, which is concerning for the management and fans.
Player and Coach Relationships
Reports suggest that the term “disintegration” is increasingly associated with Real Madrid, reflecting worries about relationships between players and the manager. Alonso emphasizes that all players should function as a unit both defensively and offensively. However, communication and coordination gaps mean that the ideal play style has not yet materialized.
Mbappe’s vocal leadership highlights deeper structural issues. Ensuring that all players understand and execute the manager’s tactical vision is essential for team recovery.
Alonso’s Philosophy vs. Reality
Alonso prioritizes teamwork and defensive commitment. His philosophy envisions a unit where every player takes responsibility for defense, balancing attack and defense effectively. In practice, however, variations in pressing and coordination reveal a gap between philosophy and reality.
Changes in formation, player rotations, and tactical adjustments show that the team is still searching for a stable identity. Fans and analysts are monitoring whether the team can align philosophy with execution.
Future Challenges and Key Points
1. Re-establishing Pressing: Mbappe emphasizes that reviving high pressing is crucial. It must be executed collectively, not individually.
2. Improving Communication: Effective communication between players and the manager is essential. The degree to which Mbappe’s message spreads across the team could determine future success.
3. Tactical Stability: Balancing flexibility and consistent formation is key. Alonso’s long-term vision requires players to adapt and grow without destabilizing performance.
4. Maintaining Mentality: Players must retain a winning mindset and responsibility for both attack and defense. Team cohesion is vital beyond individual victories.
Conclusion
Real Madrid may appear stable in league standings, but internal tactical and mental fractures are present. Mbappe serves as a leader by addressing these issues proactively. The team’s ability to execute Alonso’s high-pressing philosophy will depend on cohesion, communication, and tactical understanding. Future matches and training sessions will be critical in determining whether Real Madrid can recover and unify as a team.
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