Mbappé Supports Vinícius Amid Boos from Real Madrid Fans
Kylian Mbappé has publicly defended Vinícius Júnior following a troubling incident during a recent Real Madrid match. Fans booed the Brazilian forward during the team’s Spanish league encounter on Saturday. Mbappé emphasized that while fans have the right to express dissatisfaction, their criticism should extend to the entire squad instead of targeting individual players.
Mbappé’s Response to Fan Booing
After Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory against Levante at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Mbappé addressed the booing issue. He noted that criticism of players can affect them, particularly when they are singled out. “If they’re going to boo, they should boo the whole squad. We’re all playing poorly,” he stated.
Understanding Player Emotions
Mbappé highlighted that the negative reactions can impact players significantly. He reiterated that Vinícius Júnior, like any player, is susceptible to public criticism. “It’s normal to be affected when people speak negatively about you,” said Mbappé, adding that Vinícius is a talented player who needs support from his teammates.
- Vinícius Júnior faced boos during the match against Levante.
- The crowd jeered at his introduction and every time he touched the ball.
- Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde were also targeted by the fans.
The Team’s Recent Struggles
Real Madrid has faced a challenging few weeks, suffering a defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup and an unexpected exit from the Copa del Rey against Albacete. These results contributed to the frustration among fans, leading to the boos directed at players like Vinícius.
Changes in Coaching
Following the recent poor performance, former coach Xabi Alonso was replaced by Álvaro Arbeloa. Mbappé acknowledged his conversation with Alonso, expressing respect for his coaching philosophy. “He’s a coach who knows a lot about the game,” he remarked.
Looking Ahead
Mbappé believes that the upcoming Champions League match against Monaco presents an opportunity for Real Madrid to turn things around. He emphasized the need for the team to demonstrate their capabilities and earn back the support of their fans. The squad currently sits seventh in the league phase of the Champions League and trails Barcelona by just one point in La Liga.
As focus shifts to the next match, Mbappé insists that the team is ready to fight for their remaining titles this season and hopes to restore confidence among their supporters.