Real Madrid News
Former Atletico Madrid coach questions Mbappe’s leadership credentials at Real Madrid: ‘Never fits into the team’
Former Atletico Madrid coach German Burgos has questioned whether Kylian Mbappe possesses the qualities needed to be a true leader, while acknowledging the Real Madrid forward’s individual superiority over Vinicius Jr..
Speaking on Iker Casillas’ YouTube channel, Burgos focused on what he sees as a difference between Mbappe’s individual influence and his ability to operate within a collective structure.
“Mbappe never really fits into the team. It’s as if there were 10 players and just one of him. So it’s difficult. I don’t see him as a leader like Messi,” he said.
“He’s a leader for himself, for that moment and for that spot. But there are 10 others.
“Just imagine if he started playing as part of the team – he’d be unstoppable,” he added.
Burgos sees a difference between Mbappe and Vinicius
The former Atletico coach did not question Mbappe’s ability. Instead, he argued that the Frenchman could become even more effective if his individual qualities were combined with greater collective involvement.
Burgos also compared him directly with Vinicius, giving the Frenchman the edge when it comes to overall ability while highlighting a different quality in the Brazilian.
“For me, Mbappe is better than Vinicius, but Vinicius has a few more team-oriented qualities. Like saying, ‘Right, I’ll run a bit further to see if I can cut off that pass’.”
The comparison is particularly relevant at Real Madrid, where Mbappe and Vinicius have had to develop an understanding within an attack containing several elite players.
Mbappe leadership debate continues at Real Madrid
Leadership has followed Mbappe throughout his career, particularly since he became captain of France and one of the central figures at Paris Saint-Germain.
His status has inevitably brought greater scrutiny over how he influences teammates and approaches matches, with some critics questioning whether his highly individual style fits the demands of collective leadership.
Burgos’ comments add more comments to that debate. His criticism is not about Mbappe’s ability to decide games but about the balance between individual brilliance and team responsibility.
With the international break done and dusted, Real Madrid will be back in action this weekend in La Liga, where they will be looking to catch up to league leaders FC Barcelona.
Coming up for Jose Mourinho & co., who lost their last game before the international break, will be a home game against Villarreal on Saturday.
And, leading up to the game, the Spanish capital club have received welcome news on the injury front.
Mbappe back in group training
Indeed, as per MARCA, Kylian Mbappe will be available for Real Madrid’s match against Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
Having been training individually so far this week, the France captain rejoined group training under Mourinho today, taking a concrete step forward towards making himself available for the game.
The forward looked relaxed and ready to work, putting his boots back on and joining the group as Real Madrid prepare for a demanding run of fixtures throughout October.
And, unless there is any unforeseen setback, everything suggests that Mbappe will be ready to start against the Yellow Submarine come Saturday.
Under scrutiny
The past few weeks have been nothing short of eventful for Mbappe, with his every action and movement under heavy scrutiny.
Playing for France, in Zinedine Zidane’s managerial debut, the 27-year-old superstar scored a goal before asking for a substitution due to a knee injury.
Having flown back to Madrid, he underwent tests, which confirmed the injury, although it was not as serious as was initially feared.
The forward then took week-long holiday with his partner that sparked some debate among supporters and attracted criticism from multiple quarters.
Mbappe returned to Madrid on Monday and participated in individual sessions at Valdebebas over the past couple of days. Now he has resumed normal training with his teammates.
There had been doubts over whether Mbappe would be able to face Villarreal after he picked up the injury on 25 September.
However, the recovery plan followed by the forward appears to have worked, and he is now expected to be in a fully fit condition for Saturday’s match.
