Samir Nasri exposes the major issue between Vinicius and Mbappé: “There is a…”

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On Canal+ this Wednesday, while discussing the second legs of the Champions League quarter-finals, Samir Nasri, the former French international, opened up about Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé. According to the ex-Arsenal player, a major issue is emerging between the two Madrid stars.

Real Madrid will not retain their European crown. In a season marked by several catastrophic performances, especially against top teams, Carlo Ancelotti’s side continues to disappoint. In their quarter-final tie against Arsenal, the Spanish capital club were completely outplayed. Beaten across both legs (3–0 and 2–1), Real Madrid have bid farewell to their Champions League dream this year. Despite individual talents like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappé — the new star signed last summer — Los Blancos are stumbling.

The ego issue between the two Madrid stars

Samir Nasri exposes the major issue between Vinicius and Mbappé: “There is a…”

Instead of strengthening Real Madrid, Mbappé’s arrival has brought even more problems to a team that has lost both its defensive solidity and balance. Now without Toni Kroos, who could control the tempo of the game, and key defensive figures like Nacho (who has left), as well as the injured Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal, Los Blancos are no longer coping. According to Samir Nasri, speaking on Canal+ Sport France this Wednesday ahead of the return leg between Real and Arsenal, one of Madrid’s biggest issues is the ego clash between Vinicius and KM9.

While analysing the collective performances of Carlo Ancelotti’s team — who, at present, cannot handle big matches without conceding — the former French attacking midfielder didn’t mince his words: “The problem at Real Madrid right now is that there’s ego between Vinicius and Mbappé. Before, Vini would make repeated runs back to defend. But with Mbappé coming in and not doing it, Vini now thinks: why should I track back if nobody else is doing it?” Nasri remarked.

After the match, the former Gunner expressed delight at Real Madrid’s elimination: “Football won tonight. A collective unit triumphed over a constellation of stars,” said the former French international — and you really can’t blame him. Even within Real Madrid, voices such as Thibaut Courtois’s have begun to speak out about the club’s current state, where it’s individual brilliance — rather than collective cohesion — that makes the difference. That’s a stark contrast to what used to be the strength of Los Blancos.

Time for reconstruction

Despite his goals, Kylian Mbappé looks set to end his first season on a sour note. With ambitions of winning La Liga, the Champions League, and the upcoming Copa del Rey, the 26-year-old will now have to sit back and hope his team wakes up. But with such deep-rooted collective issues, there’s no guarantee that things will improve before the season ends under Carlo Ancelotti.

Forced to manage a situation created by Florentino Pérez, the 65-year-old manager will likely remain until the end of the campaign before leaving Los Blancos this summer. In any case, football needs to be brought back to the heart of the discussion at Real Madrid — not just the assembling of big-name players. With a manager who doesn’t emphasise tactical organisation but instead relies on the individual brilliance of his stars, nothing will change without a complete overhaul of this Madrid side.

As for the ego problem pointed out by Nasri, the next coach will have to find a way to get both Vinicius and Mbappé involved in defensive duties. One thing’s certain: it’s time to slam a fist on the table.