On this episode Siddharth Ramsundar is joined by Joel Adejola to explore how and why Kylian Mbappé has had early adaptation challenges at Real Madrid. We analyze the technical, tactical, and psychological elements that have contributed to his funk - from the complexities of integrating into Ancelotti’s system, physical issues, the absence of a 9 and the challenge of playing without Kroos’ buildup expertise. Beyond just diagnosing the issues, we examine the specific tweaks and adjustments that have slowly helped unlock Mbappé’s natural game while maintaining Madrid’s existing strengths.

The discussion ranges from granular tactical analysis of his positioning and movement to broader questions about how superstars adapt to new environments. The episode also gets into the concept of a ‘funk’ from both a generic perspective across sports and takes a more specific look at the mathematics and trends behind finishing funks in front of goal, revisiting past examples like Benzema in 2018. We briefly discuss how we get over funks as individuals and how players in other sports like tennis have a slightly easier task than footballers. We also discuss the psychology of Mbappe having to play on a team in which he’s not the best player, and question whether he will ever be the best player for a Real Madrid team that has Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. Lastly, the episode forecasts Mbappe’s future at Real Madrid.

If you’re interested in an abstract exploration of football that’s niche and specific without being a regurgitated form of ‘mainstream tactics’ then check out what Joel is building further at Ballerz Bantz.

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Hosts this week:

Siddharth Ramsundar (tacticalfouling)

Joel Adejola (JoelAdejola)

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