BREAKING NEWS: Mbappé asked for a puzzle for Xabi Alonso, who did not attend Real Madrid training, saying “Do it with Arda Güler” and Xabi Alonso’s decision made everyone applaud!!
Amid the controversy surrounding Real Madrid’s preparations for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Kylian Mbappé has grabbed headlines with an unexpected request to his new coach, Xabi Alonso. After missing a crucial training session due to a fever, the French superstar reportedly asked Alonso to give young Turkish talent Arda Guler a prominent role in the team’s upcoming matches. Mbappé’s absence from the Florida training camp, where Real Madrid are preparing for their Group H opener against Al-Hilal, has further fueled curiosity surrounding the request and Alonso’s subsequent response, which has left fans, analysts, and players stunned.
The story began when Mbappé, who has scored 31 goals in 34 appearances and won the 2024-25 La Liga Pichichi and European Golden Boot awards, was ruled out due to illness just days before Real Madrid’s first match at the Club World Cup. The intense Miami heat, with temperatures hovering around 32°C and humidity nearing 75%, led the club’s medical staff to take a cautious approach and keep Mbappé in the team hotel to recover. His absence left a gap in the squad and raised questions about how Alonso would adapt his strategy for the high-stakes tournament in his first match as Real Madrid manager. With the team already dealing with injuries to key players such as Eduardo Camavinga, Antonio Rüdiger, and Eder Militao, the focus turned to how Alonso would manage his attacking options.
According to sources close to the club, Mbappé contacted Alonso, despite his discomfort, with a bold and somewhat surprising request: “Do it with Arda Guler.” The 20-year-old Turkish attacking midfielder, who struggled to get playing time under former manager Carlo Ancelotti, has long been considered an exceptional talent with enormous potential. Mbappé’s request was not only a call for him to replace Guler, but also a broader endorsement of the youngster’s ability to shine in the big leagues. The French forward, known for his leadership and competitive spirit, believes Guler’s creativity and talent could open up new vistas for Real Madrid’s attack, especially in a competition as difficult as the Club World Cup.
Xabi Alonso, who will officially take over the reins of the team after Ancelotti’s departure at the end of May 2025, responded promptly to Mbappé’s request. In what was considered a masterstroke, Alonso confirmed that Guler would start on the right wing against Al-Hilal in his absence. The decision was not just a tactical adjustment, but a bold statement of intent from the 43-year-old coach, who demonstrates his commitment to developing young talent while maintaining Real Madrid’s winning mentality. Alonso’s selection was met with widespread approval throughout the squad, with players such as Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior reportedly supporting Guler during training.
The match against Al-Hilal, which ended in a 1-1 draw, showcased both the challenges and the promise of Alonso’s new era. With Mbappé injured, 21-year-old Gonzalo García stepped up to score the opener after an assist from Rodrygo, but Al-Hilal’s Rubén Neves equalized with a penalty. Guler, who came on at halftime, was the revelation in the second half, with three key passes, three shots, and an 82% passing accuracy rate. The volley, which crashed off the post, was one of the highlights of the match and drew praise from fans and analysts. Despite Federico Valverde’s missed penalty, Guler’s performance underlined why Mbappé and Alonso consider him a key player in Real Madrid’s future.
Alonso’s confidence in Guler extends beyond this match. The coach reportedly plans to deploy Guler in a deeper, more creative midfield next season, a tactical shift that aligns with his vision of a dynamic, pressing team. This approach was evident in the pre-match press conference, where he emphasized the importance of all eleven players working in harmony, a philosophy echoed by Mbappé’s request. Alonso’s desire to incorporate young players like Guler, alongside new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, reflects his long-term strategy to rebuild Real Madrid after a disappointing 2024-25 European campaign.
Mbappé’s absence is a setback, but it has inadvertently opened the door for Guler to prove his worth. The Turkish star, who played 1,775 minutes in 43 matches last season, scoring five goals and providing nine assists, has had the support of his former coaches and teammates to succeed under Alonso. His physicality and superb performances in training, including a goal that left Luka Modric speechless, have further reinforced Alonso’s confidence in him. As Real Madrid prepares for their next match against Pachuca, all eyes are on Mbappé’s return and how Guler’s role will evolve.
The football world has heaped excessive praise on Alonso’s resolute leadership and Mbappé’s selfless support for a teammate. This episode not only highlights the solidity of Real Madrid’s squad but also lays the groundwork for an exciting new era under Alonso’s stewardship. As the Club World Cup progresses, Guler’s emergence and Mbappé’s recovery will be key themes, with Alonso’s bold decisions earning praise and fueling hope for a revitalized Real Madrid
