Xabi Alonso made a surprise last-minute change only 1 day before the FIFA World Cup, Arda Güler and Mbappe Real Madrid’s tactic. French star did not join it!!

In a move that has stunned fans and football experts worldwide, Real Madrid’s new head coach, Xabi Alonso, executed a last-minute tactical change just one day before the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup opener. The decision involved two of the club’s most talked-about players—Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler—and it has already ignited internal tension within the squad.

Real Madrid’s tournament debut against Al-Hilal was expected to showcase their full firepower, particularly the much-anticipated front line of Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. However, Alonso shocked the footballing world by shifting Güler into a deeper midfield role and reassigning Mbappé to a less familiar position on the pitch.

Alonso, who was appointed as Real Madrid’s manager after Carlo Ancelotti left for the Brazilian national team, has already begun stamping his authority on the team. Fresh off an undefeated Bundesliga-winning season with Bayer Leverkusen, the 43-year-old Spanish tactician has arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu with high expectations and immense pressure to deliver instant success.

Mbappé’s arrival in Madrid after a long transfer saga was supposed to be the beginning of a new golden era. Yet, despite his blistering form—scoring 31 goals in La Liga and claiming the European Golden Shoe—he now finds himself at odds with Alonso’s tactical vision. The French forward was reportedly unhappy with the decision to move him away from his favored left-wing position.

According to internal sources, Alonso’s reasoning is strategic. In recent seasons, both Vinícius and Mbappé have congested the left flank, often stepping on each other’s toes and stifling Real Madrid’s attacking rhythm. By altering their positions, Alonso aims to create better spatial harmony and maximize the team’s attacking output.

The new shape Alonso is working on is a fluid 4-4-2 that can morph into a 3-4-1-2 when needed. It emphasizes high pressing, dynamic wing-play, and build-up from midfield—a style he perfected at Leverkusen. Arda Güler, once a peripheral figure under Ancelotti, is now being trusted to act as the deep-lying playmaker, a role reminiscent of Luka Modrić’s prime years.

Güler, still just 20, has had a rocky start to his Real Madrid career, hampered by recurring injuries and limited appearances. Yet Alonso appears to see in him the spark of creativity necessary to lead the midfield into a new era. His vision, passing range, and agility offer a promising base for a transitional Madrid side.

The young Turkish star is expected to orchestrate the midfield behind Mbappé and Vinícius, while the full-backs—most notably recent Liverpool acquisition Trent Alexander-Arnold—will push high up the pitch to stretch defenses and deliver width.

Mbappé, however, is said to be uncomfortable with these changes. He reportedly believes that operating centrally or on the right reduces his goal-scoring chances and diminishes his natural strengths. While Alonso insists that this adjustment is temporary and will benefit the team long-term, Mbappé’s hesitation has raised concerns among the board.

This situation places Alonso in a difficult position. Managing star egos is a well-known challenge at Real Madrid, and any public fallout between the coach and Mbappé could derail his tenure before it truly begins. With Florentino Pérez and the club’s hierarchy expecting silverware this season, the margin for error is razor thin.

The timing of this change—just 72 hours before the tournament—adds another layer of risk. The squad had limited time to adjust to new tactical instructions. Real Madrid’s group opponents—Al-Hilal, CF Pachuca, and FC Salzburg—may not pose the same threat as Manchester City or Bayern Munich, but any early misstep could prove costly.

If the changes pay off, Alonso will be hailed as a visionary who is unafraid to take bold steps under pressure. If not, his tenure may be haunted by whispers of doubt and discontent within the locker room. The early part of this tournament could define how long Alonso remains at the helm.

Meanwhile, Arda Güler finds himself at a crossroads. This is arguably the biggest opportunity of his career. With Luka Modrić nearing retirement and Jude Bellingham established as a box-to-box midfielder, Güler has a chance to secure a unique creative role within the team—provided he remains fit and delivers when it matters most.

Real Madrid fans are watching closely. Güler’s rise, Mbappé’s adjustment, and Alonso’s audacious coaching debut are interwoven narratives that could shape the club’s trajectory over the next few seasons. The stakes have never been higher.

This unexpected reshuffle has also caused shockwaves beyond Madrid. Analysts across Europe have been quick to react, some praising Alonso’s boldness, others warning that alienating a superstar like Mbappé could have long-term repercussions.

Mbappé’s body language in the final training session before the opener raised eyebrows. While he participated fully, he reportedly avoided media duties and limited interaction with Alonso during drills. Though not yet a crisis, the situation remains delicate.

In contrast, Güler appeared upbeat and focused. Sources suggest he’s relishing the trust placed in him and is determined to seize the moment. A strong performance in the World Cup could not only elevate his status in Madrid but also help him cement his place in Turkey’s senior national setup.

As the countdown to kickoff continues, fans are left wondering: Will Alonso’s revolution usher in a new era of dominance, or will it unravel under the weight of pressure and dissent? One thing is certain—Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign just became one of the most compelling storylines in football.

Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament unfolds.