Mbappé Urges Unity Amid Real Madrid’s Struggles

World Cup winner Xabi Alonso’s tenure as head coach lasted only seven months after his return to familiar surroundings in the summer of 2025. His time at the helm was marked by conflicts with several prominent players in a squad filled with ‘Galacticos.’

Among those reportedly at odds with Alonso were Vinicius, Jude Bellingham, and Fede Valverde, who expressed frustration with a coach that did not always acquiesce to their demands. Consequently, during a recent 2-0 victory that brought Madrid within a point of rivals Barcelona at the top of La Liga, local fans openly jeered the team’s star players.

Kylian Mbappé, who was spared the fans’ derision as he continues his recovery from injury, empathized with their discontent. However, he believes that all players should be treated equally when criticisms arise. Ahead of a Champions League match against his former club Monaco, set to unfold in the intense atmosphere of the Bernabeu, he stated: “I understand the whistling. Before becoming a footballer, I was a young person who expressed dissatisfaction when unhappy. I get it, as we are not performing well.

“However, if there are whistles, they should be directed at the entire squad rather than singling out one individual. We are underperforming as a team, and we possess the strength to rectify this on the pitch. I do not view Real Madrid fans as adversarial; they are frustrated, but I trust they will return to support us.”

Addressing the fans’ focus on Vinicius during the last three home games, Mbappé remarked: “It’s certainly not Vinicius’s fault; rather, it reflects the entire squad’s shortcomings. My message to the fans is that they should express their discontent towards the whole team. We accept this as our responsibility, but it is unfair to single out specific players. Every player must share the blame, and it is our duty to turn this situation around.

“I’m not Vinicius, and I don’t feel the need to offer him advice. My role is to support and protect him. When he is in good spirits, it positively influences his performance.”

Mbappé also expressed concern for Vinicius, who has been visibly affected by the crowd’s taunts, stating: “He is human, like everyone else. He is an exceptional player and a remarkable individual. I feel fortunate to know him and have great fondness for him. We must better shield him from negativity, ensuring he does not feel isolated within the team. We are all behind him. When he is at his best, he ranks among the finest in the world.”

Commenting on Bellingham, who has also faced criticism despite previously being praised as a star, Mbappé noted: “No one questions Bellingham’s talent; he possesses immense potential. When fit, he is among the world’s elite. It is challenging for us all. While we acknowledge the fans’ dissatisfaction, they should extend their discontent to the entire team rather than focusing on one player. It is our responsibility to improve the situation. We have won in the league, and now we must carry that momentum into the Champions League. If the fans see our commitment and improved performances, they will rally back behind us.”

As Real Madrid heads into a crucial match against Monaco, they currently sit seventh in the Champions League standings, with only two games left to secure a top-eight finish for automatic advancement to the knockout rounds. Achieving unity and cohesion, both on and off the pitch, will be essential as the team pursues further honors domestically and internationally. In the wake of Alonso’s unexpected dismissal, Alvaro Arbeloa remains in interim charge of first-team affairs.