Real Madrid’s locker room has started to reflect a growing unease about Kylian Mbappe’s involvement in defensive phases. While the French forward’s electric pace and eye for goal have turned him into a marquee figure in the club’s attack, several players and members of the coaching staff have noticed a tendency to ease off during moments that demand tracking back, closing down spaces, and helping the team repel opposition transitions. This is not a critique of Mbappe’s character but rather a strategic concern about balance. The technical staff values a compact, aggressive shape that can press effectively and deny opponents easy routes through the middle. When Mbappe presses with intensity, the team often benefits; when he drops out of defensive duties, opponents can exploit the gaps that appear on wide channels or during rapid counterattacks. The management has reportedly studied match data and video clips to map where the team’s defensive structure can be tightened without sacrificing the qualities Mbappe routinely brings in attack. This dynamic has sparked internal dialogue about how to harmonize individual talent with collective duties on the field. [Club sources]
The club is believed to be weighing a plan that would reallocate defensive responsibilities between Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, Madrid’s high-speed winger who thrives on dribbling and direct runs. In practice, this could mean Mbappe taking on a more conservative role when out of possession or stepping into higher pressing zones, while Vinicius covers wider channels and helps write the first line of defense. Such a swap would aim to preserve Madrid’s attacking threat while closing the spaces opponents rely on to launch breakthroughs. The idea is not about reducing Mbappe’s influence but about weaving defensive duties into the team’s overall pressing intensity, ensuring that both forwards contribute to the unit’s shape during transitions. The staff has discussed tailoring training sessions to emphasize coordinated press triggers, backing runs, and quick recovery in wide areas. If realized, the change could affect how often Madrid overloads the flanks and how quickly the midfield lines compress when the ball moves to the wings. [Club reports]
On June 3, the club’s official communications stated that Mbappe had signed with Real Madrid as a free agent after leaving PSG, marking a watershed moment for Madrid’s attacking project. The striker’s move to the Spanish giants followed a period of intense negotiation and speculation, and it was presented as a high-profile enrichment of the squad’s forward options. Mbappe arrived with a track record of scoring in big European fixtures and a reputation for versatility, able to play across the front line or operate from the left wing as needed. The transition from his time with PSG to Real Madrid was framed as a fresh chapter in which the player would integrate into the tactical system devised by the coaching staff, contributing both goals and creative moments. The club emphasized the potential synergies with existing attackers and the broader strategic plan to maintain Madrid’s competitive edge. [Club press release]
This season, Mbappe has appeared in ten La Liga matches for Real Madrid and has found the net six times, underscoring an impactful start to his league campaign. His goals reflect a mix of poacher finishes, sharp finishes from the edge of the box, and a willingness to drop deeper to combine with midfielders when required. His movement and pace create space for teammates and force opponents to adjust their defensive shapes, which can open passing lanes in tight games. The numbers also illustrate a willingness to contribute in build-up play, not just finish chances; even when not directly scoring, his runs create options for teammates and stretch opponent defenses. The overall effect on Real Madrid’s attack is visible in how defenses track him, sometimes drawing multiple defenders and freeing other attackers to operate with more space. The staff monitors xG and pressing metrics to quantify the return of Mbappe’s presence in attack, while defenders note how his anticipation changes the tempo of the game. [Stat sources]
Real Madrid sits second in the La Liga table with 24 points, trailing Barcelona who lead with 33, while Atletico Madrid has 23 points and sits in the top three. The early-season standings have produced a sense of urgency inside the squad, encouraging a steady testing of tactical combinations and rotations to maintain momentum across all competitions. Madrid’s results to date have featured a mix of dominant stretches and tight, hard-fought wins, reflecting the balance the coaching staff seeks between attacking pace and defensive discipline. The team continues to work on maintaining high pressing intensity while preserving structure at the back, especially on days when Mbappe takes on a central attacking role. Injuries and fixture congestion have also shaped how the squad approaches training and load management as the campaign unfolds. [La Liga standings]
Earlier, Mbappe’s performances drew some dissatisfaction from observers who expected a smoother adaptation to Real Madrid’s system and a higher contribution in certain high-intensity phases of play. While critics noted moments of superb speed and finishing, questions remained about consistency in back-line responsibilities and link-up play with teammates, particularly during longer spells without a goal. Supporters and analysts have highlighted his pace and finishing as major assets, while acknowledging the ongoing process of fitting into Madrid’s tactical DNA. The club’s coaching staff have emphasized a patient approach to integration, focusing on how his individual talents can complement the collective pressing pattern and defensive balance without sacrificing attacking threat. As the season progresses, the dynamic between Mbappe and the rest of the attack is likely to evolve, with training sessions designed to harmonize his instinct for goal with the team’s commitment to defensive shape. [Analyst notes]