Real Madrid has started its preparations for the new 2025/2026 football season under the guidance of Spanish coach Xabi Alonso, who has decided to give French star Kylian Mbappe new tactical roles within the team, most notably taking penalty kicks and contributing defensively.

The team players resumed their training last Monday after a break they received following their participation in the Club World Cup, and Real Madrid is scheduled to play a friendly match against Austrian team Tirol next Tuesday, August 12, as part of their preparations before the official start of the season.

According to Spanish media, Alonso has decided to rely on Mbappe as the primary penalty taker for the upcoming season, given the struggles the team has faced in this aspect since the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Sergio Ramos.

The Spanish newspaper "AS" pointed out that the minor injuries Mbappe suffered during the Club World Cup prevented him from being fully integrated into the new playing style that the coach is planning.

The newspaper confirmed that Real Madrid will likely rely on a clear attacking duo within a flexible plan that may include playing with three defenders, which gives Mbappe a central role as a finisher for attacks, while also assigning him some defensive roles to support the team's tactical system.

Real Madrid is expected to play its first official match in the La Liga on Tuesday, August 19, against Osasuna, as part of the first round of the new season.