Real Madrid will square off against AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Having secured their first victory under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa this past weekend against Levante, the Merengues will be eager to build a winning momentum heading into a busy period.
Tomorrow’s fixture, thus, becomes very crucial, while it will also be a special occasion for superstar Kylian Mbappe, as he comes face-to-face with his former club.
Speaking to the media on the eve of the game at the Bernabeu, the Real Madrid and France forward opened up on several issues, including Vinicius Jr.’s poor form and fan revolts.
“Monaco isn’t at its best right now, but they always know how to maintain their level. I think we have to be aggressive and show that it’s our day,” said Mbappe, kicking things off.
“We want to win to secure a top-eight finish. It’s an important match against a demanding opponent. Champions League nights at the Bernabeu are an advantage for us,” he added.
On fans booing, Vinicius’ situation
A major talking point surrounding Real Madrid of late has been the home supporters booing and whistling their players owing to the team underperforming.
Giving his opinion on that, Mbappe stated that he understood where the fans were coming from, but insisted that players must not be singled out.
“The boos, well… I think I understand them. I get it. Before I was a footballer, I was a young man, and when I wasn’t happy, I spoke ill of the players, and if I was in the stands, I booed. I understand it because we’re not doing things right,” he said.
“What I didn’t like was that if they’re going to boo, it should be the whole squad. You shouldn’t single out one player. We’re playing poorly as a team, and we have the character to change this on the pitch.”
“I don’t see the Real Madrid fans as being against us. They’re angry, and I’m sure they’ll come back to support us,” he added, hoping to win the fans back.
As for Vinicius being singled out by fans, Mbappe added: “Of course, it’s not Vini’s fault. It’s the fault of the whole squad. That’s all I have to say to the fans. Let them boo the whole team.
“We have to accept it, it’s our job. We know that. But you can’t single out a few and say it’s their fault. It’s everyone’s fault. At Real Madrid, there are moments like this, and we have to change that.”
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid
Mbappe fully supporting Vinicius. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
When asked about the Brazilian’s state of mind, who seemed deeply affected by the situation after the Levante clash, Mbappe remarked:
“Vini, like you, like everyone is a human being. 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. If he’s at his best, he’s one of the best in the world.”
On whether he had any advice for the 25-year-old forward, Mbappe replied: “I don’t have to give advice. I’m nobody to give advice. My only responsibility is to take care of him, protect him… When he’s happy, it’s different.”
On Xabi Alonso
Mbappe was one of the players who thrived in the first half of the season under Xabi Alonso. Talking about the Spaniard’s sacking, the forward expressed his unhappiness over claims that things were not well between the ex-manager and the players.
“Where did you get the idea that there was a problem between the players and the coach? To say that Xabi wasn’t successful isn’t true. He left before the titles were won. 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.”
Extending his support to new boss Arbeloa, he added: “Now there’s a new manager and it’s his first professional experience. We’re going to help him.”
When asked about his own relationship with Alonso, Mbappe explained: “I spoke with him when everything happened. I have a good relationship with him. We talked about life, and I wanted to support him. Whether it’s fair or unfair isn’t my responsibility.
“I must support my new coach, Arbeloa, with the same affection I have for Xabi. It’s the life of a top-level footballer. It’s a decision of the club, and we have to respect it.”
Reports had emerged from France earlier this month that Mbappe had pushed himself to return from injury in time for the Spanish Super Cup final, so as to help Alonso save his job. When asked about it, the forward, annoyed by the questions, replied:
“Do I have to comment on everything the French journalists say? I travel because I always want to play every match. Whether I’m playing well or not, I don’t know, but that’s how I am. If I have the opportunity to play every match, I will.
“We made a plan to return for the Super Cup, and it couldn’t happen against Atletico. I was very sad. And I wasn’t ready to play the final, but the manager asked me to come and support the team.
“I tried to play as much as I could. It didn’t go well because we didn’t win, and now I’m back. To do things right.”
On being asked about his annoyance on the matter, Mbappe hit out saying: “There are things that are said that aren’t true. Sometimes 10% is true and 90% is a lie.
“But our job is to accept it, but sometimes I say it and it’s not right. When I have the opportunity to speak, I say it…”
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid with Xabi Alonso
Mbappe hit out at claims that there were problems with Xabi Alonso. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)
Reacting to criticism from fans who believe that Real Madrid have not treated Xabi Alonso well, he stated:
“Maybe so, maybe so. That’s why I say I understand everything. There are journalists who do a good job. Sometimes they’re right, sometimes they’re wrong. That’s why I understand people.
“When I was a kid, everything I heard on TV was true. I understand that people form their opinions based on what they hear. Our job is to get people back on board. And to rebuild the Real Madrid family.”
On teammates
Mbappe also briefly spoke about his teammate Jude Bellingham, who has failed to hit the heights expected of him, backing him to come good.
“Nobody doubts Bellingham’s quality. He has a lot of 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,” said Mbappe.
“But they should boo everyone, it’s not about Jude’s foul or one player in particular. It’s our job to change the situation. If the fans see that we’re putting in the effort, that we’re playing well, they’ll be back with us.”
Regarding Brahim Diaz, whose missed penalty cost Morocco the Africa Cup of Nations last night, Mbappe remarked:
“I haven’t spoken directly with Brahim. I spoke with Achraf and I know a little about what happened. It’s a difficult time. It’s true that I also experienced difficult moments with the national team. Anger, rage. But we have to keep working.
“That’s the life of a footballer. I came to Madrid to win titles, but we also have to think about the people, about feelings. Our goal is to get Brahim back on track and support him.”
Source: AS