Kylian Mbappé has called on Real Madrid fans to direct their frustration at the team as a whole instead of individual players, following the whistles directed at Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham during Saturday’s match.
The Madrid supporters voiced their dissatisfaction amid their 2-0 victory in LaLiga against Levante, following a week that included a loss in the Supercopa final and an exit from the Copa del Rey, with coach Xabi Alonso replaced by Álvaro Arbeloa.
Vinícius and Bellingham received the most intense whistles, alongside chants demanding the resignation of president Florentino Pérez.
«I empathize with the fans, but what I dislike is that if they decide to whistle, they should do so for the entire team,» Mbappé stated during a press conference on Monday prior to Madrid’s Champions League match against AS Monaco.
«They shouldn’t point fingers at an individual player. The responsibility lies with the entire team … Madrid fans aren’t against us, they are frustrated, which is understandable.»
Vinícius has faced a challenging season marked by lackluster performance, speculation about his future, and a confrontation with Alonso when the Brazil international reacted negatively to being substituted in October’s Clásico.
«It’s not Vini’s fault if we’re not performing well,» Mbappé commented. «If they choose to boo, let them boo the entire squad, and we must work to rectify the situation … Vini, like anyone else, is human.»
«I have great affection for him. We, as a team, need to provide him with better support. I need to ensure he doesn’t feel isolated. He needs to be aware that he will never be alone at Real Madrid.»
Mbappé appeared displeased when asked if unrest in the locker room contributed to Alonso’s exit. Reports from ESPN indicate that both Vinícius and Bellingham were skeptical of the former coach.
«Claiming Xabi failed at Real Madrid isn’t accurate,» Mbappé stated. «He left before everything was finalized. We were defeated in the Supercopa and subsequently in the Copa after Xabi [left]. I believe Xabi will become an excellent coach … What happened has transpired. It’s the club’s decision, and we must honor it.»
«Many statements circulating are false, and some are 10% true and 90% inaccurate,» he added. «Our responsibility is to remain quiet and perform on the field.»
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The forward — whose goals have been pivotal in keeping Madrid just a point off the top of the league standings amid their struggles — referred to Bellingham as «one of the top players globally.»
«Certainly, this is a trying time for him, as it is for everyone,» Mbappé acknowledged. «We can acknowledge that the public is displeased with us, but they ought to apply the same scrutiny to all … It’s not Jude’s doing; it’s our collective responsibility to improve the situation.»
Coach Arbeloa, whose leadership has seen a cup setback against second-tier Albacete and a victory over Levante, remarked that Vinícius will «always be on the field» when fit and performing well.
«What Vini desires, and what I hope for, is the support of the Bernabéu,» Arbeloa expressed.
«I believe he requires the backing of the Bernabéu to reach his peak performance. He’s a young man with a huge heart, and his emotions are reflected in his football. He seeks the fans’ support, and I would love to see that tomorrow.»
