Real Madrid News
Real Madrid megastar could return to his natural position against Leganes
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is considering a change in position for Kylian Mbappe ahead of the upcoming match against Leganes, as reported by journalist Jorge Picon (h/t RM4 Arab).
The French forward could potentially be played on the left wing, a role where he has had significant success throughout his career.
This would be a shift from his usual role as a centre-forward, which has been the position Ancelotti has preferred him in since joining the club.
As the season reaches its three-month mark, Real Madrid are still waiting for Mbappe to deliver his best form.
With eight goals and two assists from 16 appearances, his numbers are respectable, but they fall short of the high expectations placed on him when he arrived.
Much-awaited transition
Many have been calling for Mbappe to be deployed on the left wing, the position where he has previously excelled, but that role is currently occupied by Vinicius Jr., who has been outstanding on that side for Real Madrid.
However, the upcoming match against Leganes may present an opportunity for Mbappe to play on the left, as Ancelotti is seriously considering this option.
The decision is still uncertain, but it is gaining momentum, and much of it will depend on whether Vinicius gets a rest. The Brazilian forward has recently played two intense 90-minute international matches and might benefit from a break.
Not a long-term option
Regardless of the outcome for Leganes, Ancelotti has made it clear that Vinicius remains his first-choice left winger, while Mbappe is the team’s main centre-forward.
Still, the manager recognizes that giving Mbappe a chance to play on the left could help the Frenchman regain his confidence, especially after a goal drought that has lasted for four games.
At this stage last season, Mbappe had already scored 16 goals, and in the 2022-2023 season, he had netted 25 goals by this time. The hope is that a brief change in position could spark a turnaround in his performance and return him to his usual high-scoring form.
In a major update, AS reports that former Real Madrid midfielder and club legend Toni Kroos has taken his first step towards starting his coaching career.
The former Germany international has told the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) that he is interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers.
Real Madrid tried to bring Kroos back
It is no secret that Real Madrid considered bringing Toni Kroos back into the club’s structure after the end of the last season.
The club president, Florentino Perez, had wanted Kroos to have a daily presence at Valdebebas rather than making occasional appearances after his retirement.
Jose Angel Sanchez and Kroos spoke after Perez expressed his desire to see the German working at Valdebebas every day. However, they did not find the right moment, time or structure to give his return a clear form.
A comeback remains one of the possibilities most desired by Madrid supporters because of Kroos’ charisma and what he represents at the Santiago Bernabeu. Neither side wanted him to return simply for the sake of it, so the door remains open for the future.
The relationship between the two parties is excellent, and both know that the opportunity to work together again will eventually come.
Taking it step by step
For now, Kroos continues to run the academy he established in Boadilla, enjoying the opportunity to help develop younger players.
After two years away from the competitive side of football, however, he is beginning to look towards the dugout as a possible next step in his career.
Kroos currently holds coaching qualifications that allow him to work up to the third tier of Spanish football.
This is possible because professionals with at least seven years of proven experience and significant involvement at the elite level can gain direct access to accelerated coaching courses.
That means Kroos could coach a team in Primera Federacion, but the German wants to take things gradually.
Kroos has already informed the RFEF that he would be interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers during the 2027/28 season.
The course taking place this season is not available to elite former players, with UEFA limiting each campaign to 20 places.
With his current qualifications, Kroos could work as an assistant coach, but he cannot yet take charge as a head coach in either the top flight or the Segunda División.
But completing that programme would allow Kroos to obtain the UEFA A licence, which would enable him to coach teams at any level.
