Questions have been raised about dressing room harmony at Real Madrid CF, following reports of tensions involving Kylian Mbappé during what has been a challenging campaign for the Spanish side.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, concerns have surfaced over the relationship between Mbappé and several of his teammates, amid a season that could end without major silverware.
Difficult campaign fuels speculation
Real Madrid’s struggles on the pitch have intensified scrutiny. The club were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League at the quarter-final stage by Bayern Munich and exited the Copa del Rey in the round of 16 following a 3-2 defeat to Albacete Balompié.
Domestically, they trail FC Barcelona by 11 points in the league standings, with only five matches remaining, leaving their hopes of securing the title increasingly slim.
Amid this backdrop, reports emerged suggesting Mbappé had expressed frustration with his teammates, reportedly attributing some of the team’s difficulties to their performances.
Dressing room concerns highlighted
In response, the Sport report indicates that several Real Madrid players were unhappy with Mbappé’s attitude. Jude Bellingham is said to have voiced concerns internally, reflecting broader dissatisfaction within the squad regarding the team’s situation.
The report adds that Bellingham has the backing of multiple teammates, with criticism directed at Mbappé’s defensive contribution and his decision-making in attacking phases. Observers have pointed to a perceived lack of balance in his play, noting limited assists and questioning his overall impact beyond goal scoring.
Mixed performances under scrutiny
Despite the criticism, Mbappé’s individual statistics remain notable. He has scored 41 goals in all competitions this season, with 25 of those coming from team-built attacking moves. Additionally, he has converted 12 penalties, four of which he won himself.
However, some within the squad reportedly believe the team’s overall performance suffers when the forward is on the pitch. Concerns have been raised about his positioning, particularly when deployed as a central striker, as well as his off-the-ball movement and defensive work rate.
The same report suggests teammates have also criticised his reluctance to create space for others and his limited involvement in build-up play, factors they believe affect the team’s cohesion.
Managerial debate adds to uncertainty
The uncertainty has extended beyond the pitch to discussions over the club’s managerial future. According to the report, some within the squad are opposed to appointing a coach perceived to favour Mbappé or protect his public image.
Names such as Walid Regragui and Didier Deschamps have been suggested as potential candidates, reportedly backed by individuals close to Mbappé. However, the report indicates there is little support for these options within the dressing room.
Growing uncertainty at the club
The situation reflects broader concerns at Real Madrid, where expectations remain high despite the current setbacks. Since Mbappé’s arrival from Paris Saint-Germain, the club has yet to secure a major trophy, adding to the pressure surrounding both the player and the team.
Season nearing critical conclusion
With only a handful of matches remaining, attention is turning to how Real Madrid will respond to the challenges both on and off the field. The reported tensions underline the difficulties faced during a season that has fallen short of expectations.
