Real Madrid: Mbappé’s Copa Management Sparks Controversy

The handling of Kylian Mbappé during Real Madrid‘s Copa del Rey clash against Talavera has ignited a heated debate among fans and pundits alike. Fred Hermel, a journalist for AS, has openly criticized head coach Xabi Alonso for his decisions regarding the French superstar. The controversy began with Mbappé’s inclusion in the squad for the match, which Hermel deemed a “very bad surprise.” He went on to label Alonso’s choice to start him as a “colossal mistake,” stating that allowing Mbappé to play the full 90 minutes was nothing short of “sacrilege.”

Hermel expressed his concerns about the potential risks associated with fielding a player of Mbappé’s stature against a lower-division team. He argued that if Real Madrid, historically recognized as the greatest club in football, is willing to jeopardize its most valuable asset for a match against a third-tier opponent, it reflects poorly on the current state of the squad. He firmly believes that this was an opportunity for Mbappé to rest and recover, especially given the congested schedule facing the team.

Alonso’s Justification and Historical Context

In response to the criticism, Xabi Alonso attempted to justify his decision to start Mbappé, suggesting that the player may have insisted on participating in order to chase down Cristiano Ronaldo‘s record. However, Hermel argues that Alonso should have had the authority to say “no” to such requests. He drew parallels with Zinedine Zidane, who adeptly managed similar situations with Ronaldo in the past, emphasizing the need for coaches to protect players from their own ambitions.

Mbappé’s Performance and Future Implications

Fortunately for both Mbappé and Real Madrid, the forward emerged unscathed from the encounter, even netting a brace that brought him closer to breaking Ronaldo’s annual goal record. As he prepares for an upcoming match against Sevilla, all eyes will be on whether he can achieve this milestone. The incident has raised questions about player management and injury risk in high-stakes matches, particularly in a season where every point counts.

This situation underscores the delicate balance coaches must strike between player aspirations and team strategy. Will Alonso adjust his approach moving forward? Only time will tell as Real Madrid continues its quest for glory this season.