Kylian Mbappé has drawn significant ire from Real Madrid fans. Now, the Frenchman’s representatives have even felt “compelled” to issue an official statement.
For Real Madrid, it’s a season to forget. In both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, their title hopes have long since been dashed. To make matters worse, archrival Barcelona could clinch the Spanish league title on Sunday—of all days—in El Clásico.
With the team facing a second season without a single title, there is tremendous unrest within the club. Fans are also pouncing on both minor and major missteps by players and management. A frequent target of criticism in recent months: Kylian Mbappé.
The Frenchman, who has been struggling with ongoing injury problems, was back in the spotlight last weekend. While his teammates fought hard for a 2-0 win at Espanyol Barcelona, photos went viral showing Mbappé enjoying a short vacation in Sardinia with his partner. Fans were furious after a restaurant visit in Cagliari.
Growing alienation “at all levels”?
His 24 La Liga and 15 Champions League goals this season alone were immediately forgotten. Among other things, it was said that Mbappé was not worthy of wearing the Real Madrid jersey. The 27-year-old’s representatives did not want to let the criticism directed at him go uncommented. They issued an official statement to the AFP news agency.
“Some of the criticism is based on an overinterpretation of aspects of his recovery phase, which is strictly monitored by the club, without taking into account Kylian’s daily commitment and his work for the team,” the statement reads.
Marca, a publication close to the club, has noted an increasing estrangement from the Frenchman “at all levels” in recent months—including among the team and coaching staff. During his most recent substitution against Betis (1-1), his last appearance to date at the end of April, the frosty exchange with coach Alvaro Arbeloa was cited as a prime example of this.
While his teammates had the day off, Mbappé trained individually in Madrid. New MRI scans are scheduled for Wednesday to better assess the thigh injury and his chances of playing in the Clásico.