Experienced and highly respected Portuguese football coach Carlos Queiroz recently shared his thoughts on Kylian Mbappe’s current situation at Real Madrid. Drawing on his time as the manager of Real Madrid in the early 2000s, Queiroz offered insights into the pressure Mbappe faces as he adapts to one of the world’s most demanding clubs. Speaking with Diario AS, Queiroz emphasized that while Mbappe is immensely talented, he requires time to fully integrate into the team and adjust to Real Madrid’s high standards. However, as Queiroz pointed out, the reality of playing for a club like Real Madrid is that there is often no luxury of time for adjustment. Players are expected to perform at their peak from day one.
Time and pressure at Real Madrid
According to Queiroz, time is a critical factor for any player transitioning to a top club, but in Madrid, the expectations are so intense that players must quickly prove their worth. He mentioned that Real Madrid is not a club where players are allowed to gradually ease into the spotlight. Fans, media, and the club itself expect immediate results. Queiroz recalled his own experience managing Real Madrid’s ‘Galacticos’ and said that integrating high-profile players can be a complex task, even for a coach as experienced as Carlo Ancelotti.
“Ancelotti has enough experience and wisdom to find the best solution with Mbappe in time. It is not a unique situation in football. Mbappe needs time, but in Madrid, there is no time, that is the reality,” said Queiroz. He added that the beautiful yet unpredictable nature of football means that even the most logical decisions might not lead to the best results on the pitch. “That shows this beauty, fantasy and complexity of the game of football,” Queiroz explained, “and that not always what seems logical is what gives good results.”
The role of 90 minutes
Queiroz underlined that the ultimate test for Mbappe and his role at Real Madrid will be in those crucial 90 minutes on the field. “Let’s see if choosing one of the best players in the world today is the right solution. And there is only one thing that can answer that. It is called 90 minutes of play,” he stated. The Portuguese coach stressed that there’s no single formula for success in football, and even the best players can struggle to find their rhythm under immense pressure. Queiroz remains optimistic that Ancelotti will find a way to unlock Mbappe’s full potential, but it will be the performance on the pitch that ultimately determines the outcome.
Queiroz’s impact on Arab football
Carlos Queiroz’s influence extends beyond Europe and into the Arab world. Having managed national teams such as the UAE, Iran, and, more recently, Egypt, Queiroz has left a significant mark on Arab football. His experience working with these teams has helped raise their competitive standards on the global stage. His tenure with Egypt saw him guide the national team through crucial World Cup qualifiers, demonstrating his ability to adapt his coaching style to different footballing cultures.
Carlos Queiroz’s influence extends beyond Europe and into the Arab world, with a particularly significant impact on Iranian football. While he managed national teams like the UAE and, more recently, Egypt, his greatest mark in Arab and Asian football came during his long tenure with Iran. Under his leadership, Iran took part in three consecutive World Cups in 2014, 2018, and 2022, becoming a dominant force in Asian football.
Queiroz’s tactical acumen helped transform Iran into a competitive and hard-to-beat team despite the challenges of limited facilities and resources. His work with Iran is regarded as one of the most successful coaching tenures in the country’s history, helping raise its profile on the global football stage. His experience coaching in various regions has allowed him to adapt his coaching style to different football cultures, elevating the competitive standards of the teams he manages.
Arab football fans and betting culture
In Arab countries, football isn’t just a sport; it’s a passion deeply embedded in the culture. Football fans across the region follow European clubs like Real Madrid with immense enthusiasm, and this passion also extends to the growing trend of online betting. Tariq Al-Badr, Director of Online Sports Betting at the Arabic Casinos review and informational website, states that Arab online casinos, particularly those that offer sports betting, are becoming increasingly popular, allowing fans to engage more directly with the games they love. Football betting is particularly popular, with many fans placing bets on matches involving top European teams, including Real Madrid. This aspect of the football experience is steadily becoming a major form of entertainment in the region, as it allows fans to feel even closer to the action.
Carlos Queiroz, who has a deep understanding of both European and Arab football cultures, is well-positioned to appreciate the challenges faced by players like Mbappe at clubs like Real Madrid, as well as the passion of Arab fans who eagerly follow their favourite teams.
Conclusion
While Mbappe’s journey at Real Madrid might be challenging, Queiroz believes that time on the pitch will reveal whether his integration into the team is successful. Additionally, Queiroz’s impact on Arab football and the rising popularity of online sports betting among Arab fans demonstrate how deeply connected football has become across different cultures. As Queiroz waits to make a decision about his own future in coaching, one thing remains clear: his insights and experiences continue to resonate with football fans worldwide.
