New Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has issued a clear message to his star-studded squad — including Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe — stressing the importance of collective defensive effort.
Following a season under Carlo Ancelotti that ended without silverware, the team’s attacking players were often criticized for not putting in enough defensive work — something the former coach reportedly found frustrating at times.
Alonso, speaking to the media ahead of Madrid’s upcoming Club World Cup showdown with RB Salzburg, emphasized the need for full-team participation when it comes to pressing and defending.
“What I am certain of is that we need and want everyone to defend — the 11 players on the pitch have to be involved defensively,” Alonso told reporters.
“They have to get close together, they have to know how we want to press, and without that, things will be very complicated.
‘Vini, Jude (Bellingham), Fede (Valverde), Kylian, those up front, the defence has to push forward too.’”
Under Ancelotti, there was less pressure placed on Mbappe to track back, with the Italian prioritizing his attacking contributions instead. The French forward delivered in that area, racking up 43 goals in all competitions during his debut campaign after joining from PSG.
As Los Blancos prepare for their final Group H clash in Philadelphia on Thursday against Austrian outfit RB Salzburg, they will have to make do without Mbappe, who remains sidelined.
The 26-year-old did not make the squad as he’s still recuperating from a stomach illness. Though he missed the opening two games of the tournament, he was spotted back in training on Wednesday.
“I was happy to see him on the (training) pitch, it was the first day he’s got his boots back on and has been running, he’s doing well, but not enough to play tomorrow with the level that we need,” Alonso explained.
“He said it himself when we spoke after training, he prefers to be ready for the last 16, he’s in the recovery process, he wasn’t perfect for tomorrow.”
In Madrid’s second group match — a 3-1 victory over Mexican side Pachuca — Brazilian attacker Rodrygo was notably absent from the starting lineup, sparking rumors of a potential summer exit.
However, Alonso dismissed the speculation and reaffirmed his belief in the player’s importance to the squad.
“He’s doing well, he’s enthusiastic, it was a technical decision (to bench him) the other day, but Rodrygo is still an important player, we will need him in this Club World Cup,” said Alonso.
“He’s a special player and he will have a big role at this tournament.”
