Tension in Madrid: Mbappé's father objects to Alonso's demands on his son
From the first moment Kylian Mbappé wore the Real Madrid jersey, it was clear it wouldn't be just an ordinary transfer.
A star accustomed to being the focal point of an entire team enters a club that worships tactical discipline and collective commitment.
While the fans welcomed the "savior star" project, coach Xabi Alonso was quick to lay down the law: "Defensive work is not an option, it is part of our success."
But what Alonso considered an obvious demand in modern football, Mbappé's father saw as an infringement on the nature of a goal-scoring forward.
Clash of Philosophies: Alonso Demands, Mbappé's Father Responds
Speaking to the French newspaper L'Équipe, Wilfried Mbappé sent a direct message to the Merengue coach, saying: "Do we ask a full-back to be a forward? Each position has its characteristics. Kylian was made to score, not to be measured by the number of times he runs backward."
This statement was not just a paternal opinion, but rather seemed like an declaration of an intellectual confrontation between old-school football, which grants the forward absolute freedom, and the modern version, which requires every player – even the top scorer – to work off the ball and commit defensively.
The truth is that Mbappé's first season with Real Madrid was marked by a clear contradiction. While he ended the year crowned with the "Pichichi" award as the league's top scorer, criticism about his defensive work rate did not stop.
Alonso's recent statements, emphasizing the need for Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior to improve their defensive duties, confirmed that the issue has become a central concern in the locker room.
Wilfried Mbappé did not hesitate to use examples to clarify his point of view, saying: "You might like the run Khvicha Kvaratskhelia made in the 90th minute of the Champions League final, but Kylian is not that type. He does things others can't."
Despite his objection to Alonso's methodology, Wilfried did not hide his pride in what his son achieved in his first season, pointing to his mental strength: "We were told he wouldn't succeed, but he won the Golden Boot and proved he enjoys pressure. As long as he's happy, he'll succeed."
Interestingly, Wilfried stressed that his son doesn't need constant advice from his family, as he knows well that his ambitions don't stop: the Champions League, La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and dreams renewed every year.
The tension in Madrid doesn't seem like a mere passing misunderstanding, but rather a reflection of a deeper conflict. Mbappé is at its heart, Alonso on the opposing side, and the fans are watching. Will talent yield to discipline, or will the star impose his logic on the team?
