Capello’s Critique on Mbappe’s Madrid Debut
Former Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello has expressed his dissatisfaction with Kylian Mbappe’s first season in the Spanish capital. Despite the high expectations surrounding Mbappe’s move to Los Blancos, Capello believes that the France captain has not made the impact many had hoped for. Mbappe’s transition to Real Madrid was anticipated with great enthusiasm, especially after his remarkable performances at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and his stellar role in leading France to the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2024. However, his delayed preseason, due to France’s deep run in the tournament, may have contributed to a less-than-smooth start to his Madrid career.
The Integration Dilemma
One of the primary challenges Carlo Ancelotti faced was integrating Mbappe into the team’s existing structure, particularly alongside Vinicius Junior. At PSG, Mbappe often thrived in a freer role on the left flank, a position that Vinicius had made his own at Real Madrid. Ancelotti’s solution was to position Mbappe centrally, but the initial stages were hampered by injury issues. Despite these setbacks, Mbappe has shown flashes of his brilliance, scoring 28 goals in 41 games for Real Madrid in the 2024/25 season. Vinicius, on the other hand, has contributed 18 goals in 37 appearances. Ancelotti has been pleased with Mbappe’s impact through the middle, but the broader question of their synergy remains a point of contention.
Capello’s Concerns on Team Harmony
Capello, known for his astute tactical insights and success at Real Madrid, where he won two La Liga titles, is particularly critical of the team’s overall harmony. He argues that while Mbappe and Vinicius possess exceptional individual skills, they are not blending well on the field. "Mbappe and Vinicius Jr play in the same position, they are stepping on each other and not performing well," Capello stated in an interview with Flashscore. This overlap in roles, he suggests, is leading to a lack of fluidity and cohesion in the team’s attacking play. Both players are renowned for their ability to create and score goals in tight spaces, but Capello emphasizes that individual talent alone is not enough to ensure a harmonious team dynamic.
A Team of Galacticos, but with Midfield and Defensive Issues
Real Madrid’s current squad is a collection of star players, often referred to as "galacticos." However, Capello points out that the team’s brilliance up front is counterbalanced by significant problems in the midfield and defense. The departure of Toni Kroos last summer has left a void in the midfield, which has yet to be adequately filled. Kroos was known for his precision, vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game, qualities that are sorely missed in the current lineup. Additionally, the team has been plagued by defensive injuries, further complicating matters. Capello believes these issues are exacerbating the lack of coordination between Mbappe and Vinicius, making it challenging for the team to function at its best.
The Future of Real Madrid’s Attack
As the current season approaches its climax, the question of how Mbappe and Vinicius can coexist effectively becomes even more pressing. Ancelotti has been working tirelessly to find a balance, experimenting with different formations and tactical setups. The manager’s faith in his players is evident, but Capello’s critique serves as a wake-up call. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining whether the整改措施 can be fine-tuned to maximize the potential of both Mbappe and Vinicius. The challenge lies in creating a system where their unique talents complement rather than clash with each other, ensuring that Real Madrid can maintain its competitive edge in both domestic and international competitions.
Reflecting on Capello’s Insights
Capello’s comments are a sobering reminder that football is not just about individual brilliance but also about the collective performance of the team. His experience and success at Real Madrid lend weight to his observations, and they highlight the need for a more holistic approach to team management. Ancelotti, known for his tactical flexibility and ability to get the best out of his players, will have to address these issues to ensure that Real Madrid continues to be a force to be reckoned with. The integration of Mbappe and Vinicius, along with addressing the midfield and defensive problems, will be key to the team’s success in the seasons to come.
