Mbappe's Drought, Alonso's Puzzle: Courtois' Legendary Saves Steal the Spotlight

Alonso: Mbappe's Drought Is a Collective Issue

Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid's coach, said Kylian Mbappe's recent drop in goals is largely a collective issue within the squad, while he highlighted Thibaut Courtois as an indispensable pillar thanks to his decisive, unforgettable saves.

The remarks came at a press conference ahead of the Elche match in La Liga round 13, where he outlined the mental aspect, injuries, and player readiness, as well as the team’s state ahead of the trip to Elche.

According to AS, Alonso faced the media to discuss preparations for the high-stakes meeting and reviewed points about mentality, injuries, international players, and the squad's travel plans.

Asked about the international players and the team’s approach, he said: "Everyone is fine, the mood is good. We’re going to Elche, a recently rising team that’s performing well, and it will be a tough, challenging match."

On balancing tactical work with group management, he added: "Both are important, given the environment we operate in. We must stay mentally strong and balanced, so not every game becomes an emotional rollercoaster; we need to be patient yet firm."

On instilling discipline before the match, Alonso stated: "All away games are hard, that’s the reality. I worked with them for two and a half hours, explained who we are and what we want, and then it’s time to apply it on the pitch."

Regarding Rudiger, the coach said: "Not tomorrow. His performance and character make him a highly valuable player."

When asked about Courtois, Alonso replied: "In past seasons, at decisive moments, he delivered saves that are unforgettable. It’s not just his quality but his way of communicating; he is a foundational pillar and wants to carry the responsibility."

On Mbappe and the lack of shooting in the last two games, Alonso asserted: "This is a collective matter. We’ve analyzed it. It’s fully collective. We also need to work on set pieces… the goals will return, I have no doubt."

Addressing Trent’s situation and the possible return of Fede Valverde, he noted: "This break gave us a chance to bring him back to peak form, and Valverde is still working on it. We have more options now. Militao has even played as a Brazilian-style full-back, and so has Asensio."

He added that away matches are naturally tougher due to hostile atmospheres, but preparation remains the same: "The environment is against you, but the preparation stays the same."

On the team’s physical state amid a packed schedule, he commented: "I don’t judge just the current physical state. We are in a very congested calendar; many games in a short period, and the physical data are improving. We must live with injuries. Let’s see if we can reduce Militao’s absence a bit."

Regarding criticisms aimed at him and the team, Alonso said: "We know where we are, we understand the expectations, we handle them calmly, and we don’t magnify them beyond their real size."

In closing, he announced a new phase for the squad: "Everything stays as is; we’re excited for these important league and Champions League matches, and we need everyone."

Pressure on Alonso

Real Madrid finds itself under scrutiny and debate about its coach, who took over last summer on a three-year contract, with broad praise for modernizing approaches after Carlo Ancelotti’s golden era.

Yet his start was not flawless, including a heavy 0-4 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in a Club World Cup semifinal, a shock for fans and observers alike.

Despite good results in La Liga and the Champions League, overall performances have not always convinced, fueling whispers about his future. Before the Clasico, predictions suggested that a loss to Barcelona could be a breaking point for Alonso.

The Clasico win briefly restored some confidence, but subsequent stumbles against Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano reignited doubts about his ability to steer the team through adversity, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Doubts in the locker room

Inside the club, despite public support, leaks have hinted at discontent among senior figures over controversial tactical decisions, such as substituting Vinicius Jr. in the Clasico.

There are also signs that relationships with stars like Valverde, Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Endrick are not all smooth, suggesting a lack of full harmony with his coaching style.

The club is keen to show clear improvement to quiet the noise, but insiders say a decisive clash with Manchester City on December 10 could be pivotal for Alonso’s fate.