Mbappe Makes Zidane Plea as Real Madrid Move On From Alonso

Real Madrid's boardroom drama has taken another twist, with Kylian Mbappe making his feelings clear about the club's managerial future. The French forward is pushing for Zinedine Zidane to take the helm, according to Spanish reports, and he's far from convinced about the alternatives currently being discussed.

The chaos began on Monday when Real Madrid dispensed with Xabi Alonso's services following Sunday's 3-2 Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona. With the club sitting four points adrift of their rivals in La Liga and whispers of dressing room unrest, the decision came swiftly. Alvaro Arbeloa stepped in immediately as interim boss, but that hasn't dampened speculation about a more permanent solution arriving in the summer window.

Jurgen Klopp has been mooted as a serious contender, with Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg revealing earlier this week that the former Liverpool manager would entertain a move to the Spanish capital. Despite his ongoing commitment to Red Bull and their broader project, Klopp apparently views the Real Madrid job as sufficiently enticing to warrant serious deliberation should the club come calling.

Yet Mbappe appears distinctly unimpressed by this scenario. The 25-year-old has been among those vocally opposing Alonso's departure, having forged a strong working relationship with the Basque coach. Insiders suggest the attacker is unconvinced that Arbeloa possesses the credentials to drive meaningful improvement, preferring instead a figurehead with a proven pedigree—someone capable of delivering silverware consistently.

Klopp's potential appointment sits awkwardly with Mbappe, who harbours a different ambition altogether: he wants his compatriot Zidane in charge. The PSG academy product believes the three-time Champions League winner represents the ideal candidate to restore order and success at the Bernabéu.

At his opening press conference, Arbeloa addressed the speculation head-on. When quizzed about his status, the Andalusian offered a characteristically measured response. "I've been here 20 years at my home," he stated. "I can tell you that I'll be here until Real Madrid tell me to go. I feel it is my home, and that's the way I see it."

On the squad's commitment levels, Arbeloa was equally measured. "We've all seen the last few games, and the season, and how they made a great effort in the Supercup. I think there is a group ready to give everything, we know the demands at Real Madrid," he explained. He also reminded observers that the dressing room contains players with six Champions League medals between them—a pointed reminder that the talent is there to draw upon.

"The only way to win with this badge is with effort, sacrifice and consistency. That's what has taken Real Madrid to be the best club in the world and all of the honours they have," Arbeloa concluded, striking a tone that suggested he's well versed in the club's exacting standards.