Guti talks Mbappe, Guler, Mastantuono, Bellingham, Vinicius, Alonso – ‘There is more noise than there really should be’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid are enduring one of their most uncomfortable phases in recent seasons. 

A run of just two win in their last six matches has raised serious questions about form, confidence and consistency. 

While pressure continues to build around both players and coaching staff, club legend Guti has stepped forward to offer a calm but honest assessment of where things are going wrong and why panic is still premature.

Speaking to AS, the former midfield maestro was asked to explain what Real Madrid are currently missing after a difficult November filled with dropped points and heavy physical demands. 

Guti immediately pointed towards mental and physical stability as the missing pieces.

“Consistency, belief in themselves. There are so many games and so little time to recover. That has an impact, especially on the big teams. 

“In the end, they drop points in games where they shouldn’t. That consistency is important, at least to win La Liga. 

“The Champions League is another matter, but for La Liga you need a winning streak.”

Dependency on Mbappe

With Kylian Mbappe once again carrying much of the attacking weight, attention has shifted towards his individual numbers. 

Real Madrid are quite dependent on Mbappe. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The French star now has 55 goals in a calendar year, just four short of Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary 59 in 2013. Asked if Mbappe will eclipse that record, Guti had no doubts.

“He’s going to do it, no question. We’re seeing an incredible version of Mbappe. He’s above the level of the team. 

“Thanks to him, games are won, and that’s what you expect from a leading player within the team. 

“Kylian must continue along these lines to get more players on board and see Real Madrid become champions.”

However, despite Mbappe’s brilliance, concerns are growing about whether Madrid have become too dependent on him. 

Guti acknowledged the issue but stressed that a club of this size cannot allow itself to rely on just one player.

“There shouldn’t be. Madrid has great players: Vinicius, Bellingham… They can and should score a lot of goals. 

“It’s true that they help in the game, but Madrid shouldn’t just rely on Mbappe’s goals.”

On Guler and Bellingham

Turning his attention to Arda Guler, one of the most technically gifted players in the squad, Guti highlighted what makes the young Turkish star so different from his teammates.

“I think he’s good. He’s a player unlike any other we have at Real Madrid. There are many players with the same profile: lots of quality and physical strength, but without that final pass. 

“He’s the only one who has that special characteristic of getting to the goal and scoring goals. 

“Xabi is going to bet on him. It’s going to be a great season for him.”

Jude Bellingham is going through a tough spell. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Jude Bellingham’s recent dip in form has also sparked debate, particularly following his operation earlier this season. 

Guti urged patience, reminding fans that recovery is rarely immediate at the highest level.

“We have to give him time, he’s a great player. He proved that in his first year. When he’s been 100%, he’s been outstanding. 

“I think he’ll get back to that. At Real Madrid, we want it to happen right away, but when you come back from injury, it’s always difficult.”

On Alonso and Vinicius

Questions have also surfaced around Xabi Alonso’s position as head coach, despite clear backing from Florentino Perez. Guti admitted that he has been surprised by the intensity of the outside noise.

“I’ve been surprised. I think there’s more noise outside than there really should be inside.

“Knowing Florentino, when he backs a coach, he does so until the end. At least 90% of the time. 

“I think Xabi is a great coach who needs to be given time. We’re coming off a bad year and he’s doing things right. He needs to be given some peace. 

“People are talking too badly about him when he’s a great coach. He proved it at Leverkusen and he’ll prove it at Real Madrid. I’m convinced he’s going to do great things here.”

One of the most debated issues lately has been the dynamic between Vinicius Jr. and Xabi Alonso. 

Guti dismissed any suggestion of a serious problem, explaining the emotional nature of elite players.

“I’m not concerned. Players always want to play, and when you substitute them, they get upset. It’s understandable, and the coach knows that. But it’s for the player’s own good. 

“We often criticise the number of games players have to play during the year. The important thing is not to be in good shape now, but when you’re playing for titles. 

“Xabi tries to get every player to peak at the important moments, when the team is playing for something.”

The much-talked-about relationship

Guti shared his thoughts on the Vinicius-Alonso relationship. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Guti also defended how Alonso handled Vinicius after the controversial gesture that caused headlines.

“The coach makes changes for the benefit of the team. The player doesn’t see that. I’ve been a player and a coach. I’ve been on both sides. 

“When you’re a player, you only think about yourself and that you always have to play, but when you’re a coach, you think about the group. It’s not about being tough or having a soft touch. 

“It’s about doing things right. Often you have to raise your hand because the player asks you to or because it’s the right moment. And when you have to be tough, you have to be tough. 

“Xabi will know how to be in both positions. When the Barcelona incident happened, he had the soft touch to continue trusting him, he knows that Vinicius is an important player for Real Madrid.”

Mastantuono’s burst

On Franco Mastantuono’s early run of starts, which reportedly affected squad harmony, Guti again called for balance and patience.

“In the end, he came in at a time when Bellingham was out and there was a gap in midfield. Xabi gave him a chance and he did well. 

“It’s true that he needs time, he’s very young. He’s very eager, and that can sometimes be detrimental, causing you to make mistakes that you wouldn’t make when you’re calm. He needs time. 

“We’ll see if Xabi gives him those minutes when he’s fully recovered from his injury. The important thing is to have them so he can feel comfortable on the field.”

Finally, when asked to predict the season’s major trophies, Guti delivered a realistic but hopeful outlook for Madrid fans.

“I want Madrid to win everything, but I think the Champions League will be difficult. Not just for Real Madrid, but also for Barcelona and Atletico. 

“There are some great teams out there. City will be back, Arsenal are a great team, Liverpool do well in big games like against Madrid, PSG, Bayern. 

“It’s going to be tough for everyone. Madrid will win La Liga and I hope they win the Copa as well,” he noted.