After a tense 2-0 win over Levante, where fans heavily whistled Vinícius for a poor showing and targeted injured Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé called for unity at a press conference before the Champions League game against AS Monaco.
“I understand the fans who wanted to boo us. We’re not doing things right. What I did NOT like was that if they’re going to boo, it should be the WHOLE squad. You shouldn’t single out one player. We’re doing poorly as a team.” He added.
In defense for Vini, the French forward described his teammate as a fantastic player and incredible guy who needs team protection, stating: “It’s NOT Vini Jr fault. He’s a fantastic player. He’s an incredible guy, I’m lucky to know him and I’m very fond of him.
“We have to protect him better. So he’s not alone against everyone. He’s not alone at Real Madrid. We’re all with him”.
while defending Jude Bellingham’s world-class quality : “The booing for Jude Bellingham? No one doubts his quality. He has so much potential. When he’s fit, he’s one of the best in the world. It’s tough, for everyone. We can accept that the fans aren’t happy. But they should boo everyone, it’s not about Jude’s fault or one player in particular. It’s our job to change the situation. “
“We won in the league and now we have to keep going in the Champions League. If the fans see that we’re putting in the effort, that we’re playing well, they’ll be back with us.”
Speaking on his former coach Xabi Alonso’s record: “We didn’t have any problem with Xabi Alonso. To say that Xabi wasn’t successful isn’t true.
“He left before the titles were won. We only lost the Supercopa with him. Xabi, in my opinion, will be a FANTASTIC coach. I had a great relationship with him.
“He has that obsession with details, with the game. What happened, happened. It was a decision made by the club, and we have to respect it. Now there’s a new manager, and it’s his first professional experience. We’re going to help him.”
With new interim boss Álvaro Arbeloa in charge after just 233 days, Mbappé emphasized collective accountability amid Madrid’s rough patch, trailing Barcelona by one point in La Liga.
