Xabi Alonso has sent a clear message to his forwards, including Mbappe and Vinicius, demanding full effort and intensity without the ball. The coach stressed the need for constant pressure on the opposition’s defence.
“You don’t have to run like defenders,” he said, “but you have to constantly pressure the defence.”
Alonso made it clear that standing around and waiting for the ball will not be enough. “It’s not going to be enough to just stay waiting for them to give you the ball so you can score. You’re going to have to run for every ball.”
Alonso repeated this demand in strong terms during team talks. “Those who do not run and not make an effort will not play.”