Real Madrid have had a major problem this season when it comes to coaches. They have had two coaches in Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa so far, but neither of them has worked out.
While Alonso was far more tactical in his approach, his methods didn’t sit well with the majority of Real Madrid stars, including Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, among others.
But now with Alvaro Arbeloa in charge, another Real Madrid star is facing a problem: Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe not happy with Arbeloa’s methods
According to Defensa Central, the French superstar is currently struggling to adapt to the change in scenery on the touchline.
While Vinicius Jr. has flourished and publicly celebrated his improved connection with Arbeloa, Kylian Mbappe feels the opposite.
The former PSG man was a proponent of the tactical rigour and technical focus that Xabi Alonso brought to the training ground.
The primary source of discomfort for Mbappe lies in the perceived lack of tactical discipline under the current regime.
Will Mbappe flourish under Arbeloa in the final phase of the season? (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Under Alonso, training sessions were heavily weighted toward the technical aspects of the game, and the Frenchman’s role – particularly in the press – was more clearly defined and effective.
Since Arbeloa took the reins, there has been a noticeable shift toward physical conditioning, which has left the forward feeling less impactful on the pitch.
This disconnect is starting to manifest in his performances. Mbappe appears less comfortable without the rigid structure he enjoyed previously, and his goal-scoring figures have begun to reflect this unease.
Arbeloa, for his part, has successfully unlocked Vinicius, but he must now find a way to get Mbappe to enjoy his football again.
Real Madrid’s hopes for the remainder of the season depend entirely on the coaching staff bridging the best out of these two players.
