Just one day before Real Madrid’s opening match at the FIFA Club World Cup on June 14, 2025, newly appointed head coach Xabi Alonso made a stunning last-minute tactical change that sent shockwaves through the football world. In a surprising move, Alonso altered the roles of rising Turkish talent Arda Güler and French superstar Kylian Mbappé for their opening match against Al-Hilal. This unexpected switch reportedly created tension within the team, raising concerns about Mbappé’s reaction, team unity, and how the shift fits into Alonso’s long-term vision for Real Madrid.
Alonso’s appointment followed Carlo Ancelotti’s departure to lead Brazil’s national team and was one of the most talked-about managerial changes in recent years. The 43-year-old Spaniard, lauded for leading Bayer Leverkusen to an undefeated Bundesliga title in 2023-24, arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu with high expectations. Renowned for his tactical acumen and modern approach, Alonso now faces enormous pressure to deliver results quickly, especially after a disappointing, trophy-less 2024-25 season—even with the high-profile acquisition of Mbappé.
Alonso’s decision to reposition Güler and Mbappé is seen as a bold strategic shift. Güler, a 20-year-old prodigy signed from Fenerbahçe in 2023, struggled for consistent minutes under Ancelotti, usually playing on the right wing or as an attacking midfielder. But Alonso envisions him playing deeper, akin to Luka Modrić, who is expected to depart after the tournament. According to AS, Güler will be utilized in central midfield to orchestrate play from deeper areas, drawing on his creativity—an approach Alonso successfully used at Leverkusen.
Meanwhile, Mbappé is being shifted from his favored left-wing role to a more central or right-sided position. This adjustment aims to resolve tactical overlap with Vinícius Júnior, another natural left winger, which disrupted the team’s attacking balance last season. Alonso’s flexible system, potentially a 4-4-2 that morphs into a 3-4-1-2, will be supported by dynamic wing-backs such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, newly signed from Liverpool. This setup is designed to stretch opposing defenses, creating room for Güler to direct play from midfield.
However, reports suggest Mbappé is unhappy with the positional change. After a record-breaking first La Liga season with 31 goals and a European Golden Shoe, he prefers the left flank, where his speed and dribbling make him most dangerous. Sources close to the club say he fears the new role could limit his goal-scoring chances. Managing star egos is a core challenge at Real Madrid, and with club president Florentino Pérez demanding immediate success, any friction could put Alonso’s early tenure at risk.
The timing of this tactical overhaul adds to the pressure, as the squad only had three training sessions before the tournament. Real Madrid will face Al-Hilal, CF Pachuca, and FC Salzburg in the group stage, with tougher opponents like Manchester City and Bayern Munich looming in later rounds. Alonso’s willingness to make such a drastic change so close to the tournament kickoff reflects confidence in his vision, but it’s a high-stakes gamble. A successful run could solidify his authority, while failure may amplify scrutiny.
For Güler, this could be a breakthrough moment. Despite his talent, injuries and limited game time have stalled his progress. Alonso, who reportedly tried to sign him for Leverkusen, clearly believes in his potential. But Güler will face stiff competition from Jude Bellingham and possibly Franco Mastantuono, should the River Plate star join the squad.
As Real Madrid kicks off its Club World Cup campaign, all eyes will be on whether Alonso can steer the team through this turbulent start. With tactical changes, star player tensions, and immense expectations, the tournament promises high drama. Whether Alonso’s gamble pays off—or Mbappé’s discontent disrupts the team’s cohesion—remains to be seen. Either way, the stage is set for an unforgettable tournament
