Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho says finding room for Kylian Mbappé and Carlos Espi in the starting lineup is a challenge as the Spanish giants prepare to face RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, October 21.
Espi, 21, has made an impact despite limited playing time in La Liga. The Spanish forward has played just 30 minutes across five games but has scored twice, including a goal off the bench in Real Madrid’s 4-3 comeback victory over AS Roma in Rome.
His impressive cameos have prompted calls for him to start more games. However, Mbappé’s form presents a selection dilemma, with the French forward scoring 11 goals in 11 La Liga appearances.
Mourinho believes starting both forwards together is difficult, leaving him with a tactical decision as Real Madrid prepare for their Champions League fixture.
“It’s difficult for both of them to start together.”
“They can play in a match where we play a 4-4-2. But with the wide players we have, it’s not a 4-4-2; it’s a 4-2-4. It’s all about the timings.”
“If you’re playing against a tired team that can’t get out of a low block and isn’t capable of stringing two or three passes together, then at that moment, you can do all the crazy things like we did in Rome” Mourinho said.
