Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Real Madrid know their return to the Santiago Bernabeu could bring an uncomfortable reception, with Jose Mourinho, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. aware that the crowd may voice its frustration if the team struggles against Villarreal.
On that note, according to Defensa Central, the mood inside the dressing room is one of acceptance rather than confrontation.
The outlet mentions that the players understand that supporters have reasons to be unhappy with recent performances, and they recognise that the response from the stands will largely depend on what happens on the pitch.
With Real Madrid under pressure after a difficult spell, today’s match offers an opportunity to rebuild confidence.
The squad wants to focus on the performance rather than trying to predict how the Bernabeu will react.
Real Madrid players know Bernabeu fans demand more
Real Madrid’s players understand that a positive result alone might not be enough to satisfy supporters.
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid player
Mourinho has urged Vinicius and Mbappe to focus on their performances. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
Rather, the crowd also wants to see greater intensity, collective responsibility and a visible commitment to improving the team’s performances.
A strong display, goals and hard work could change the atmosphere inside the stadium.
Recovering possession, tracking back and showing determination in defensive situations may also help win over the crowd before Madrid find the net.
The players are therefore not expected to dwell on the possibility of being booed. Instead, the focus is on delivering the kind of performance that gives fans reasons to get behind the team again.
Mourinho knows what it takes to win back the Bernabeu
Mourinho is familiar with the demands of managing Real Madrid, having experienced the Bernabeu’s intense atmosphere during his first spell at the club.
The Portuguese coach understands that supporters can make their dissatisfaction clear, but he also knows that visible commitment can improve the relationship between the team and the stands.
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius of Real Madrid
Mbappe and Vinicius will be in the spotlight. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Hence, he has urged his players not to allow criticism to make them nervous or distract them from their responsibilities.
If boos arrive, the response must come through their football rather than gestures or public statements.
Mbappe and Vinicius face scrutiny
Notably, Mbappe and Vinicius are likely to attract particular attention because of their importance to Real Madrid’s attack and the expectations attached to them.
Both possess the individual quality to influence major matches, but supporters also want to see them contribute to the collective effort.
That includes pressing, helping defensively, and showing the determination expected from players leading the team.
The Real Madrid duo is aware of what’s in store later today, and they plan to respond to it through their performance rather than actions.
Real Madrid superstar might be ‘annoyed’ by club’s backing of Mbappe for Ballon d’Or – report
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid player
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid player
Having not won any trophies last season, Real Madrid is not heavy on the Ballon d’Or campaign so far this year, and understandably so given that they do not have the results to back them.
Kylian Mbappe, however, has begun and maintained a strong campaign of his own in recent weeks and is openly portraying himself as a strong frontrunner for the award.
Having been the top-scorer of virtually every top event he played, there is indeed a strong case to be made for Mbappe. His inability to win a single trophy with club or country, however, is the single-biggest hurdle.
Internal politics on the rise
Last month, there was a strong report in the Spanish media that Mbappe was unhappy with Real Madrid for not backing his claim and campaign to be the Ballon d’Or winner.
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid superstar
Mbappe is pushing for the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
Now, as reported by Mario Cortegana, there could be an element of internal politics involved in the development.
A source close to a player who maintains good relations with both Mbappe and Vinicius has reportedly opened up and admitted that the Brazilian star might be annoyed by Real Madrid’s backing of Mbappe for the Ballon d’Or.
It is unknown if the club’s relative silence on the topic has anything to do with the Brazilian star’s sentiments, but it is clear that there is an internal divide in the dressing room.
A need to reconcile
The idea of bringing Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid was always spoken of in the same context as Vinicius Jr.’s sense of responsibility.
Kylian Mbappe. Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid players
It simply is not working out. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
There was a sense that bringing in a second superstar would ease the load on Vinicius’ shoulders, and that the duo could thrive together and achieve the highest of peaks.
In reality, however, Vinicius and Mbappe have seldom managed to create any regular output, and the former’s stature has progressively reduced to an all-time low.
The report of Vinicius’ sentiment controlling Real Madrid’s support of Mbappe further hints at a divide between the two players, and possibly even the dressing room.
At this point in Real Madrid’s story, where the club continue to suffer and remain far from their best, there is an immediate need to move past personal rivalries and unite for the betterment of the team.