Kylian Mbappé addressed the turbulent atmosphere surrounding Real Madrid during a press conference on Monday, acknowledging that internal issues exist within the club while firmly defending former coach Xabi Alonso. The French superstar, speaking ahead of the Champions League clash against Monaco, stated that while things do happen in the dressing room, many of the reports circulating in the media are simply not true.
The press conference comes amid intense scrutiny following Xabi Alonso's departure from Real Madrid after the team's defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa final. The viral footage of Mbappé appearing to contradict Alonso's instructions to form a guard of honor for the victorious Barcelona players had fueled speculation about rifts between the coach and his squad. Mbappé sought to put those rumors to rest while maintaining his support for the departed manager.
When asked about Alonso's tenure, Mbappé was emphatic in his defense of the former midfielder turned coach. He stated that saying Xabi Alonso did not succeed at Real Madrid is simply untrue, noting that the coach departed before any titles were decided and had only lost the Supercopa. The forward praised Alonso's tactical approach, highlighting his obsession with details, his understanding of the game, and his deep knowledge of modern football, predicting he would become a great coach.
Mbappé revealed he maintained contact with Alonso following the dismissal, speaking with him the same day the news broke. He described their relationship as spectacular and expressed his desire to support Alonso during a difficult time. However, the French international also made clear his commitment to moving forward with the new coaching staff, emphasizing his duty as a Real Madrid player to support current manager Álvaro Arbeloa in his first professional coaching experience.
The striker also defended his teammates from individual criticism, particularly Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, who have faced scrutiny from fans and media. Mbappé insisted that if the team is not playing well, the responsibility lies with the entire squad rather than any single player. He acknowledged the fans' frustration after recent performances at the Santiago Bernabéu but called on the team to respond on the pitch rather than through words, stating that the players' job is to stay quiet and prove themselves through their performances.