Mbappé Defends Xabi Alonso: “We Had a Structure That We Lost”
Kylian Mbappé publicly defended the work of Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid and admitted that the team lost the football identity it had during the first half of the season, in the middle of a campaign filled with criticism and no trophies.
Kylian Mbappé finally spoke about the difficult moment currently surrounding Real Madrid and surprised many by defending Xabi Alonso, stating that the team lost the structure and style of play it had earlier in the season.
The French forward made the comments after the victory over Real Oviedo, a match in which he started on the bench and where the tense atmosphere around the club once again became evident following a trophyless campaign.
Mbappé acknowledged that the team began the season strongly, even leading the league and remaining among the top teams in the Champions League. However, he admitted that the squad’s performances collapsed during the second half of the campaign.
“We had a structure in our game and we lost it. That hurts a lot,” the striker said in the mixed zone, comments that quickly sparked debate among fans and Spanish media.
Mbappé Reflects on Xabi Alonso’s Time at Madrid
Although Xabi Alonso left the club four months ago, the French star made it clear that he still has a strong relationship with the Basque coach and praised the work he did during his spell with Real Madrid.
“I had a great relationship with Xabi. He is going to become a great coach, but that is now in the past. We have to look forward,” Mbappé explained.
The comments arrive amid growing criticism toward Álvaro Arbeloa, who took over the team after Alonso’s departure but failed to maintain the same competitive level shown earlier in the season.
Mbappé also accepted collective responsibility for the disappointing campaign and insisted the squad must learn from its mistakes heading into next season.
“We did not win titles and that hurts because we showed we were capable of much more. We all share responsibility and we have to change this,” he added.
A Difficult Moment for the French Star
Beyond the team’s struggles, Mbappé is also experiencing a complicated personal situation at the club. Against Oviedo, the forward started as a substitute and revealed a surprising comment from the coaching staff, saying he had been told he is currently “the fourth striker on the team.”
Despite the situation, the Frenchman avoided direct controversy and emphasized his commitment to the club.
“We have to defend the club in the best way possible,” said the striker, who also insisted that he remains “very happy” at Real Madrid despite the current difficulties.
Mbappé’s comments reflect the tension and uncertainty currently surrounding the Spanish giants after a season far below expectations.
