‘What Are We Asking Him?’—Kylian Mbappe’s Father Challenges Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid Demand

Kylian Mbappé’s father has warned Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso that it is unfair to demand defensive work from a forward of his quality.

Mbappé’s introduction into the Real Madrid squad last season sparked all sorts of questions about his suitability for the team, many of which revolved around a perceived lack of off-the-ball intensity from the Frenchman.

Alonso has publicly warned both Mbappé and Vinicius Junior that they must improve their work in defense if they want to be successes in his side, but the Frenchman’s father believes those responsibilities should be left to actual defenders.

“Is the fullback an attacker or a defender?” Wilfrid Mbappé told L’Équipe. “What are we asking him?

“I’m not saying Kylian shouldn’t defend, but how do we judge a player? A fullback, I don’t care if he crosses well. Each position has its own specificities. We criticize a guy who still scores 60 goals a season. What I criticize him for, however, is that if there’s a fight not far from you, come and help.