Mbappe Breaks Silence: Star Forward Delivers Shocking Verdict on Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid Departure
Kylian Mbappé delivered a passionate statement supporting former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, firmly rejecting speculation about conflicts with squad members and repeatedly emphasizing that his departure was "a club decision."
Alonso's time in charge was marked by numerous reports of discord within the team. Vinicius Junior publicly displayed this tension during the season's first Clásico when he angrily left the field, criticizing the manager's choice to replace him. Madrid secured victory in that match nonetheless.
Vinicius Jr wasn't alone among players reportedly "unconvinced" by Alonso's approach. However, Mbappé clearly wasn't part of this dissatisfied group.
The French striker achieved his most productive spell under Alonso's guidance, netting 30 goals across 28 matches at a rate of one goal every 75 minutes. Mbappé was among Madrid's first players to express support for the coach following his "mutual consent" departure this month and reinforced that positive position this week.
Addressing reporters for the first time since Alonso's departure, Mbappé questioned his pre-match press conference before Real Madrid's Champions League encounter with Monaco: "What gave you the impression there were issues between the players and the manager?"
A tense silence ensued before Mbappé stated: "Claiming that Xabi failed is incorrect. He departed before trophies were secured. Xabi, from my perspective, will become an excellent coach. I maintained a wonderful relationship with him. He possesses that fixation on details, on the match.
"What occurred, occurred. It was a club decision, and we must respect it. Now we have a new manager, and it's his initial professional opportunity. We're going to support him."
When pressed about persistent rumors suggesting squad discord, Mbappé calmly responded: "There are statements made that aren't accurate. Sometimes 10% is factual and 90% is false. But our responsibility is to accept that, though sometimes I voice it and it's incorrect. When I get the chance to speak, I express it..."
Mbappé Turns Attention Towards Arbeloa
Mbappé Turns Attention Towards Arbeloa
Mbappé subsequently shifted his attention to his new manager, Álvaro Arbeloa, another individual who holds great respect for Alonso. "I must back my new coach, Arbeloa, with the same warmth I hold for Xabi," Madrid's No. 10 explained. "This is the reality of elite football. It's a club decision, and we must accept it."
That warmth toward Alonso runs profound.
The Basque manager was allegedly taken aback when summoned to Madrid's training facility the day following their return from the Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona in Saudi Arabia. Alonso delayed before issuing any public response, yet he promptly exchanged words with Mbappé.
"I conversed with him when everything unfolded," the Frenchman disclosed. "I maintain a strong relationship with him. We discussed life, and I wished to support him. Right or wrong, it's not my concern. Given the warmth I feel for him, that's existence."