Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images
Real Madrid’s dressing room is in a healthier state than it was last season, despite the recent scrutiny surrounding Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr. and their performances under Jose Mourinho.
According to Mario Cortegana in The Athletic, sources close to the club have rejected suggestions of renewed internal tension following Real Madrid’s defeat to Atletico Madrid before the international break.
While concerns remain about the team’s performances, those familiar with the situation believe the atmosphere at Valdebebas has improved compared to the previous campaign.
No tension between Mbappe and Vinicius
Both Mbappe and Vinicius have attracted attention for reasons beyond their performances, with questions also being raised about how effectively the forwards complement each other on the pitch.
However, sources consulted by Cortegana insist their relationship away from football is positive.
One description from Valdebebas captures the perceived difference between their personal connection and their on-field partnership.
“They get on well, although on the pitch they don’t connect,” they say.
Kylian Mbappe. Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid players
Vinicius and Mbappe get on well with each other. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Another source, close to a player who maintains a strong relationship with both forwards, rejected the suggestion that the pair dislike each other while pointing to a potential problem in their approach to the game.
“It’s not that they don’t get on or hate each other.”
The same source added, “They compare themselves in everything, and if one doesn’t defend, neither does the other.”
Mourinho defends Mbappe amid off-field controversy
Mbappe’s recent holiday generated debate after images showed him riding a bicycle while recovering from a knee injury.
The discussion intensified because Mourinho had previously expressed a preference for players to avoid cycling during their free time.
However, the ride was considered leisurely and safe, and the incident did not cause concern for the Madrid coach.
Mourinho addressed the debate during Friday’s press conference, describing the attention surrounding Mbappe during the international break as “ridiculous”.
Jose Mourinho, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid
There is no tension within the Real Madrid dressing room. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
He also confirmed that the France captain would start against Villarreal.
Real Madrid dressing room has improved, but…
Meanwhile, multiple sources close to Mourinho and the players maintain that the current atmosphere is better than last season’s, when player disagreements with former managers were common.
They acknowledge, however, that poor results could change the mood and that the team still has significant work to do.
A source close to Mourinho identified the two main priorities: “The team needs to defend better and be more effective in attack.”
The source continued, “And that’s what Mou has focused on during the break — finding internal and tactical solutions to the gaps in the team.”
Madrid’s immediate challenge is therefore to translate a healthier dressing-room environment into better performances.
With Villarreal next, what Mourinho needs is improved defensive organisation and a more effective attacking partnership between Mbappe and Vinicius.
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.
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.