Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has put an end to speculation and debate surrounding the fitness of French star Kylian Mbappé, just hours before the highly anticipated Spanish Super Cup final against arch-rivals Barcelona. The match will be held at the Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday evening, amidst great global anticipation.
Mbappe's stance on starting
Kylian Mbappé joined the Real Madrid squad in Saudi Arabia after fully recovering from the injury that sidelined him for the derby against Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final. In this context, Alonso confirmed that the player is medically cleared to play in El Clásico, but the decision regarding his inclusion in the starting lineup has not yet been finalized.
The Spanish coach explained that the coaching staff is handling Mbappé's return with extreme caution and careful planning to avoid any setbacks or complications, especially since the player has just returned from a knee injury. Alonso indicated that the final training session will be crucial in determining how many minutes the French star will play, and whether he will start the match or be used as a substitute in the second half.
The importance of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia
This match holds special significance beyond being merely a cup final; Saudi Arabia has become a global destination for hosting major sporting events, and El Clásico on its soil represents a massive marketing and fan event. Winning the Spanish Super Cup would be a tremendous morale boost for the winning team as they aim to complete the season successfully. Real Madrid, in particular, is seeking its first title of the season under Alonso's leadership, which would further solidify the stability of the club's sporting project.
The reality of the tension and confrontation with Lamine Yamal
On another note, Alonso categorically denied recent rumors of tension within the Real Madrid dressing room. He emphasized that his relationship with the players is positive and based on mutual respect, affirming that the team is showing remarkable improvement both technically and mentally, and that everyone is fully focused on winning the title to bring joy to the fans.
Regarding the threat posed by Barcelona's rising star, Lamine Yamal, Alonso acknowledged the player's exceptional talent and ability to make a difference in the final third. However, the Real Madrid coach emphasized that the team would not alter its identity or tactical plans for any single player, but would instead rely on its usual collective approach to neutralize the opponent's key players and control the flow of the game.
