Xabi Alonso isn’t worried about Kylian Mbappe’s scoreless game in Real Madrid’s 2-1 win against Mallorca. He trusts Mbappe will bounce back, despite an offside goal and missed shots. Real Madrid won with goals from Arda Turan and Vinicius Jr., maintaining their perfect start. Alonso praised Vinicius’s improved performance and Rodrygo’s contribution, emphasizing the team’s depth. The win shows Real Madrid’s resilience, and Alonso’s support for Mbappe highlights his belief in the star player.
Xabi Alonso remains unfazed by Kylian Mbappe's failure to find the net in Real Madrid's hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mallorca on Saturday. Despite the star forward's blank, Alonso expressed confidence that Mbappe will soon rediscover his scoring touch.
Mbappe, who had already notched three league goals this season, saw one of his efforts disallowed at the Santiago Bernabeu. The French international was caught offside on three separate occasions and failed to hit the target with any of his five shots, a rare off day for the usually clinical striker.
Despite Mbappe's struggles in front of goal, Alonso staunchly defended his player, asserting his belief in Mbappe's ability to bounce back and contribute significantly to Los Blancos' campaign. Alonso addressed concerns about Mbappe's performance, emphasizing his unwavering faith in the player's talent and work ethic.
"The fact that he didn’t score does not worry me at all. He had several chances, Kylian’s attitude was very good," Alonso stated. "He was just a few millimetres out of position, and he lacked a bit of accuracy with that final pass or shot. I’m sure he’ll get there again."
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Alonso acknowledged the need for improvement in certain aspects of Mbappe's game, particularly his tendency to stray offside. However, he dismissed any serious concerns, highlighting Mbappe's constant threat to opposing defenses.
"The offsides thing can be addressed, but he’s always a threat to the opponent. But these are things that can be improved. I’m not too worried; he’s going to score a lot of goals," Alonso affirmed, exuding confidence in Mbappe's future contributions.
Real Madrid had to come from behind to secure the victory after Vedat Muriqi's 18th-minute opener for Mallorca. Arda Turan and Vinicius Jr struck twice in a minute after the interval, turning the game on its head and preserving Madrid's perfect start to the LaLiga season with three wins from three matches.
Vinicius Jr.'s impressive record against Mallorca continued, with the Brazilian now involved in six goals in his 10 LaLiga appearances against them (four goals, two assists). His home form against Mallorca is particularly noteworthy, with three goals and one assist in just four top-flight matches.
Alonso praised Vinicius' contribution, noting his improved performance compared to the previous match against Osasuna. "He made a good contribution. It was a better game than [he played] against Osasuna and [his] goal was important," Alonso said, acknowledging the Brazilian's crucial role in the victory.
Alonso also highlighted the impact of Rodrygo, who contributed positively after coming on as a substitute. "Rodrygo also did his part. We were losing control of the game, but everyone came in well. We need that, for everyone to contribute. Rodrygo had some good minutes," Alonso added, emphasizing the importance of squad depth and collective effort.
The victory showcased Real Madrid's resilience and ability to overcome adversity, while Alonso's unwavering support for Mbappe underscored the manager's faith in his star player's potential to deliver in the long run. As Real Madrid continues its pursuit of silverware, the team will undoubtedly rely on Mbappe's talent and Alonso's tactical acumen to navigate the challenges ahead.
The match also highlighted the growing influence of young players like Arda Turan, whose goal demonstrated his potential to become a key figure in the Real Madrid squad. The blend of experienced stars and emerging talents provides Alonso with a wealth of options as he seeks to guide Real Madrid to further success.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid faces a busy schedule with league and cup competitions on the horizon. Alonso will need to manage his squad effectively to ensure that his players remain fresh and motivated throughout the season. The team's ability to adapt to different opponents and overcome challenges will be crucial in their pursuit of silverware. With a strong squad and a clear tactical vision, Real Madrid is well-positioned to compete for major honors this season.