Alonso's Revolutionary Tactics at Real Madrid Could Sideline Superstars Mbappe and Vinicius

Reports suggest Xabi Alonso is planning to implement a "continuous pressing" strategy at Real Madrid that will require significantly more defensive effort from star forwards Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.

During Carlo Ancelotti's final season in charge, one of Real Madrid's most obvious deficiencies was their lack of pressing after losing possession. Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior were particularly criticized for their reluctance to defend and their generally lower work-rates when compared to teammates like Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde.

According to AS, Alonso is determined to bring greater intensity and equilibrium to the squad following a trophy-less season. The Spanish coach has identified pressing as the "most critical" area requiring improvement, which he hopes to address during this summer's FIFA Club World Cup.

Alonso intends to move away from Real Madrid's habit of simply dropping deep without possession; last season, the Spanish giants frequently allowed opponents extended periods with the ball, often resulting in Madrid being pinned back in their own half. The team showed minimal urgency to regain possession, particularly if it demanded extra running.

Statistical analysis after nearly every significant defeat in Real Madrid's 2024–25 campaign highlighted their reduced running compared to opponents. In their crucial Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Arsenal, Real Madrid covered just 101.2 kilometers (62.8 miles) while Arsenal logged 113.9 kilometers (70.8 miles). The reigning European champions suffered a humiliating 3–0 defeat at the Emirates as a result.

Under Alonso's leadership, such passive behavior without the ball will not be tolerated. Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior will face pressure to contribute to the team's pressing and recovery efforts when possession is lost.

The former Bayer Leverkusen manager expects his attacking stars to press "immediately after losing possession." Alonso wants to see "determination" from his players in every aspect of the game, not just when they have possession.

Real Madrid will spend the summer in the United States working on Alonso's new tactical approach before beginning their campaign to reclaim the Spanish title from Barcelona. All attention will be on Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, who netted a combined 64 goals last season, to see how they adapt to their new manager's expectations.