Kylian Mbappe has once again attracted critical media attention in the Spanish capital, a situation not new to the French striker.
However, this time it seems that even within Real Madrid they are not completely satisfied with his behavior.
The France captain left Madrid for the third time this season while recovering from an injury, and it came at a delicate moment for the team.
As Real Madrid faced Espanyol on Sunday evening, paparazzi released images of Mbappe returning to Spain on a private jet, alongside his partner Ester Exposito.
This episode was not well received by the club’s president, Florentino Perez.
Asked after the victory over Espanyol, coach Alvaro Arbeloa stated that the player is free to do as he wishes during his free time.
“All planning for injured players is overseen by Real Madrid’s medical staff, who decide when they should be at Valdebebas and when not. Beyond that, each player acts at their own discretion in their free time, and I cannot intervene,” he initially told Marca.
However, five of the six questions at the press conference indirectly referred to Mbappe and his level of commitment, while the only other one concerned Vinicius Junior’s performance.
Real Madrid players oppose Mbappe’s selfish attitude
The Brazilian is often at the center of comparisons with Mbappe, while the debate over the role of the leader in the team remains open.
“I have no doubt about the commitment of my players. They know how important these matches are. There has not been, is not and will never be a bigger club than Real Madrid, and everyone understands that, what they represent and how lucky they are to be here,” Arbeloa added.
He also emphasized that to win, maximum commitment from each player is required.
“I don’t make comparisons between players. We need everyone. To win every match, we need everyone’s commitment. It hurts me when I see other teams running more than us, not only without the ball, but also with it. We need everyone’s commitment to press, defend and attack.”
In a message that many media outlets in Spain have interpreted as directed at Mbappe, Arbeloa underlined the importance of sacrifice.
“Talent is not enough. I want to see players who understand the importance of commitment and who embody the values of Real Madrid. This club is not built by players in elegant suits on the pitch, but by those who finish the match with shirts covered in sweat, mud and sacrifice. When talent is combined with commitment and effort, then we become the best team in the world,” concluded coach Arbeloa.
According to reports from Cadena COPE , these statements have not gone unnoticed, while within the club there is some disappointment with Mbappe’s leadership skills.
The 26-year-old was transferred to be a key figure for Real Madrid in the coming years, aiming to continue their dominance in the European arena, but expectations for him remain very high .
