Real Madrid News
Kylian Mbappe ‘fed up’ of being Real Madrid’s No. 9 – report
It was not too long ago that the streets in Madrid were celebrating the arrival of Kylian Mbappe from PSG after a long-drawn soap opera.
The Frenchman arrived at Real Madrid amidst much hype and was seen as the star who could elevate the UEFA Champions League-winning side to new heights.
Just over three months into his stint, however, the tables have turned and he is already being pointed as the biggest problem in Carlo Ancelotti’s puzzle. What is more interesting is that many foresaw the ongoing situation coming before his signing.
Mbappe is fed up
Back-to-back defeats in El Clasico and against AC Milan have left the Merengues red-faced and Mbappe has been projected as one of the most disappointing players in both games.
After all, the player has suffered his worst start to a season ever with just eight goals in 15 games, a significant chunk of which have been penalties.
The big hurdle to Mbappe’s seamless incorporation has been the presence of Vinicius Jr as the team’s established left-winger, a position the World Cup winner considers his niche. With both stars undroppable, Ancelotti has had to deploy Mbappe as the centre-forward.
Now, according to reports from SPORT, the player is already fed up with playing as the striker for Los Blancos and feels his output is being hindered by the tactical manoeuvre.
With fewer spaces to attack and Real Madrid’s struggles in creating chances from midfield, the youngster is frustrated and wishes to return to the left wing.
That, however, is not an option as Ancelotti and Florentino Perez would always pick Vinicius over him on that front.
As furthered by the outlet, it is not the first time the forward has had clashes with a teammate over a place on the field, for his current situation is reminiscent of the clash he had with Neymar Jr at PSG.
In that case, however, the Brazilian was constantly injured and thus handed Mbappe a regular role on the left. Ultimately, however, the club were forced to sell Neymar to settle the dust.
Mbappe and his entourage are seriously concerned about his situation at the club, especially with the brunt of the blame being pushed on the player.
After all, it is no secret that the winger does not contribute defensively and has destabilised the team’s structure with his arrival. Shifting Rodrygo to the bench and Jude Bellingham deeper, moreover, has dampened the side’s attacking impetus.
Real Madrid News
Rayo Vallecano manager names the one Real Madrid figure he would remove from the team
Rayo Vallecano face a daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on a wounded Real Madrid this weekend.
Life after Inigo Perez has not been kind to the Vallecas-based club, who have already had to travel to Camp Nou and now face a trip to the home of their city giants.
Speaking ahead of the game (h/t Madrid Xtra), Rayo Vallecano manager Benat San Jose was asked which Real Madrid player he would like to remove from the team before this weekend’s game.
Surprisingly, his choice was not Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior or Thibaut Courtois.
“Mourinho”
Asked which Madrid player he would take out of the upcoming contest, Benat jokingly chose the man sitting on the opposition bench.
“Which Real Madrid player I’d remove from the match against them? Mourinho,” Benat said with a laugh.
The answer might have been delivered jokingly, but the Rayo coach immediately made clear just how highly he rates the Portuguese manager.
“He’s one of the best managers in history,” he added.
It is significant praise ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Bernabeu.
Madrid’s squad contains enough individual quality to give any opposition coach several obvious answers, but Benat instead highlighted the influence Mourinho can have over the entire team.
That has become particularly relevant since the Portuguese coach returned to Madrid. His early work has focused on making a talented group function with greater collective discipline.
Courtois and Madrid’s attack also praised
Benat did not stop with the manager.
“They also have one of the best GKs in history and one of the best attackers in history,” he said.
Benat will definitely have seen how Thibaut Courtois played against Inter Milan in midweek and will hope that version does not turn up again this weekend.
Even when teams manage to create opportunities against Madrid, they still have to beat one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation.
At the opposite end, Madrid possess attacking quality capable of turning a match on its head.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham can all decide matches single-handedly.
Madrid have a point to prove
Madrid are coming off a disappointing loss to Real Betis in La Liga last weekend and will come into this game with a point to prove.
They will want to ensure that the loss to the Andalusian club was a one-off and that they return to winning ways against Rayo.
Their title rivals, Barça, have been flying high in the league, scoring goals and picking opponents apart for fun.
Madrid need to ensure that they do not hand too much early incentive to Barça, and it remains to be seen how Los Blancos fare against Rayo Vallecano.
