Looking forward to more improvements
The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to d all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job, Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Kung_Fu_Zizou
The Matchday Squad
REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST VS RB SALZBURG! pic.twitter.com/FwPJp0MxtP
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) June 25, 2025
Kylian Mbappe misses out against Salzburg. Expected to be ready for the R16. Real Madrid need to win the game to top the group but they will face one of City or Juventus regardless.
Rodrygo Saga Continues
Xabi Alonso: “Rodrygo? I see him in good shape, eager. What happened the other day was a technical decision. He’s still important, and we’ll need him at the Club World Cup. He’s a special player and will play a key role.” pic.twitter.com/OvP3CeS6NH
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) June 26, 2025
Some clarity from Xabi. Rodrygo was merely rotated. This suggests we will likely see the Rodrygo and Mbappe duo once Mbappe is healthy.
Vini and Kylian in the Press
️ Xabi Alonso: “Vini Jr off the ball? We ALL have to defend. The 11 players have to press. Vini, Jude, Fede, Mbappé. All of them.” pic.twitter.com/kYXME35l1Y
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) June 26, 2025
Xabi reiterated his desire for every player to participate in the team’s pressing. Concerns have been raised especially over the course of the season about the willingness of Vinicius and Kylian to press and help the team recover the ball. While Vinicius typical does a reasonable job in terms of recovering the ball, he was often found wanting when we needed to track back or put pressure on the ball.
Given the physical gifts of both Vinicius and Kylian and the pressing approach preferred by Xabi, there should be no trouble getting the two forwards to press. However, if the attitude to off the ball work is the impediment.. Xabi will have a problem on his hands.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
So far so good. It’s only two games in but there are signs of the kind of fluidity and problem solving Xabi brings to this talent group. We will get better throughout the tournament but it would be unwise to judge the results over the progress in the way the team plays. Xabi will coach this team to be consistent enough to win the league by maintaining the principles of play throughout the season. Cup competitions might be a stretch this season but we should expect a big improvement in our La Liga performances.
