Jurgen Klinsmann has cautioned incoming Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso that managing the defensive responsibilities of both Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior could be one of his most pressing challenges at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The German legend believes the pair’s limited tracking back may test Xabi’s tactical control early into his tenure.
Both players bring rich African heritage to the European giants—Mbappe through his Cameroonian and Algerian roots, and Vinicius Junior via his Afro-Brazilian lineage.
While their attacking brilliance is unquestioned, Klinsmann insists their lack of defensive work rate could unbalance Real’s setup.
Speaking to Marca, the former Bayern Munich and USMNT coach said: “Teams with (Lionel) Messi are the only ones that can afford to defend with just 10.
“Even Real Madrid are trying to get Mbappé and Vinicius to drop back to defend… Am I convinced that Xabi Alonso will achieve it? No, really (laughs).”
He added, “Mbappé is no longer a child and Vinicius sees that they don’t defend either… and he doesn’t do much either. But they are two personalities that Xabi has to manage, and I’m sure the team will manage to compensate for everything and get the best out of both of them.”
Klinsmann also drew parallels with other high-profile attacking trios that failed to blend defensively.
“At PSG, for example, it didn’t work out those two years with Neymar, Mbappé, Messi,” he noted.
“At River the same thing is happening with Mastantuono… They are also trying to integrate him into the system, because he doesn’t do much in defence either.”
