Xabi Alonso plays down Kylian Mbappé narrative as Real Madrid target more Champions League glory

An emphasis on the collective has been a recurring refrain since Xabi Alonso took over at the Santiago Bernabéu this summer, and it was a theme the Real Madrid manager returned to as he contemplated the club’s latest attempt to add another chapter to their storied European history. 

Madrid open their Champions League campaign at home to Olympique de Marseille on Tuesday night with the spotlight squarely on Kylian Mbappé, the France international who joined from Paris Saint-Germain last year only to see his former club win the competition for the first time in their history.

Mbappé’s attempt to help his new employers conquer Europe for a 16th time will once again be a subplot this term. But Alonso insists the 26-year-old is not growing restive in his desire to add a first Champions League crown to an honours list that includes seven Ligue 1 titles and four Coupe de France medals.

‘We see a project that’s just beginning’

“Kylian is part of the journey, but I don’t see him as impatient,” said Alonso. “We talked about what the Champions League means, but we didn’t talk about [PSG’s victory in] May, we talked about today. We see a project that’s just beginning. One of the objectives is to win the Champions League sooner rather than later.”

That, emphasised Alonso, will necessitate a team effort in which individual quality – whether from Mbappé or the likes of Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo – is subservient to the greater good. The Spaniard acknowledged the important leadership role played by Mbappé, who has scored four goals in four La Liga outings this term, but reiterated the message that success is a collaborative endeavour. 

“He’s one of them, without a doubt” replied Alonso when asked if the Frenchman was a leader in the dressing room, “because of his personality, his experience. When that group comes together, you know who you have to follow and Kylian is one of them.

“Kylian really likes to understand things, the game. Then he brings that individual quality. But it’s not just Kylian, Vinicius Jr or Rodrygo – we need that collective quality for them to achieve those special things.”

Jude Bellingham named in Real Madrid squad to face Marseille

Madrid will be further bolstered in that regard by the presence of England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who has been named in the squad to face Marseille after missing the start of the season with a shoulder injury. Bellingham underwent shoulder surgery this summer and was originally expected to be sidelined until October. 

Aurélien Tchouaméni is under no illusions about the weight of the challenge facing Madrid as they seek to banish memories of last season, when their Champions League defence was ended in the last eight by Arsenal. 

“Marseille is a big Ligue 1 team,” said the Madrid midfielder. “I expect a difficult match in the Champions League, as with [all] great teams. I don’t know if all Spaniards know them, but they are a very followed team in France.”

Marseille sit seventh in the Ligue 1 table with two wins, both of which have come at home, from four games.