Mourinho and Khedira identify major problem with Mbappe and Vinicius at Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho and Sami Khedira are using the international break to study the problems that have emerged during Real Madrid’s opening weeks, with the defensive contribution of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. emerging as one area requiring attention.

According to Defensa Central, the coaching staff believes there has been progress since Mourinho took charge, particularly in the team’s willingness to defend as a unit.

The derby defeat, however, has more or less confirmed that more work is required.

As per the outlet, the primary issue is asking two of Real Madrid’s biggest attacking stars to defend deeper, but there is more to the story.

As such, Mourinho wants them to improve their pressing without sacrificing the qualities that make them so dangerous going forward.

Mbappe and Vinicius are already making greater efforts to win the ball back, with both players pressing more regularly than they did previously.

The coaching staff believes that improvement is still insufficient, though.

Their individual defensive numbers are being closely analysed, with Mourinho and Khedira looking for a bigger contribution without disrupting their attacking output.

The challenge right now is finding the right balance, as the two forwards need to know when to press high, when to recover their positions and when to stay ready for the transition after possession is won.

If done correctly, that would give Real Madrid’s midfield and defence bigger protection while allowing the forwards to remain in positions where they can hurt opponents.

Mourinho and Khedira have a clear reference point within their own squad.

As such, Yan Diomande and Jude Bellingham are being viewed as examples of how attacking players can contribute to the defensive structure without losing their influence in possession.

Diomande, in particular, has impressed with his willingness to run and disrupt opposition build-up. Although the Ivorian is naturally an attacking player, his pressing has become an important part of his overall contribution.

The expectation is not that Mbappe and Vinicius should maintain maximum intensity for 90 minutes.

Rather, Mourinho wants them to recognise the moments when the team needs an extra defensive effort and respond accordingly.