Despite Kylian Mbappe’s exceptional performance statistics this season at the Santiago Bernabéu, a growing sense of dissatisfaction surrounds the French star. As he recuperates from a hamstring injury, Real Madrid is eager for him to participate in the upcoming El Clasico clash.
Mbappe’s recent weekend trip to Sardinia with his girlfriend, Ester Exposito, has drawn criticism. While Real Madrid was preparing to face Espanyol in a match crucial for preventing Barcelona from winning La Liga, Mbappe was observed disembarking from a private jet at Madrid airport. This action was widely perceived as disrespectful by the Spanish media. Manager Alvaro Arbeloa, without naming names, questioned Mbappe’s commitment.
Deteriorating Relationship with the Real Madrid Squad
According to reports from Marca, Mbappe’s previous trip to Paris in March while injured, coupled with his recent excursion to Cagliari during a critical period for the team, has not only irked fans but has also been poorly received within the locker room. It is noted that his relationships with many teammates and coaches have become more distant, with Vinicius Junior enjoying significantly more affection from the squad.
Diario AS further adds that while Mbappe had received permission to continue his recovery in Cagliari, his lack of discretion upon returning to the Spanish capital has caused consternation. The club was reportedly not anticipating a public fallout stemming from his actions.
Florentino Perez’s Demand for Mbappe Against Barcelona
Mbappe is scheduled for further tests on Wednesday to ascertain his fitness for the upcoming weekend’s match, where Real Madrid will travel to Camp Nou to face Barcelona in El Clasico. Sport reports that President Florentino Perez is displeased with Mbappe’s attitude and expects him to be fit to play against the Catalan giants, insisting on his presence on the pitch even before the official test results are available.
After two seasons without a major trophy, the pressure on Mbappe to deliver is mounting. While his goal-scoring record remains undeniable, the team’s struggles and lack of success have led to scrutiny of many Real Madrid stars’ performances. Mbappe is increasingly being viewed as part of the problem.