Kylian Mbappe goes public on Vinicius Jr stance

Kylian Mbappe has launched a defence of Real Madrid team-mates Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham after they were targeted by a section of fans during Saturday’s 2-0 La Liga win over Levante.

The Bernabeu made its voice clear in the first match following the sacking of head coach Xabi Alonso, targeting players that fans perceived to have chased the manager out and launching verbal attacks on president Florentino Perez.

With Real Madrid in the grip of a crisis, Mbappe has spoken out, trying to balance the view of fans while protecting his club-mates.

“I think I understand the booing,” he told the media. “When I was a key, and when I wasn’t happy, I criticised the players. And if I was at the stadium, I booed.

“I understand it because we’re not doing things right. What I didn’t like was that if people are booing, they should do it to the whole team. You shouldn’t single out one player in particular. We’re playing poorly as a team, and we have the personality to change that on the pitch.

“I don’t think Real Madrid fans are against us. They’re angry, but I’m sure they’ll come back to us.”

Mbappe backs Vini Jr and Bellingham

Vini Jr was given particularly rough treatment by the Madrid fans after it his public spat with Alonso during El Clasico earlier this season. The Brazil international reacted angrily when he was replaced and was then at the centre of a ruckus involving Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal at full-time.

Since then, he has struggled for form and is in the midst of contract negotiations. With his deal up in 2027, his future hangs in the balance, particularly with public opinion against him.

“It’s not Vini’s fault, it’s the whole team,” Mbappe said. “That’s all I have to say to the fans.

“Let them boo the whole team. We have to accept it; it’s part of our job. But you can’t single some out and say it’s their fault.

“He’s a great player and an incredible guy. We have to protect him better so he’s not alone against the world. He’s not alone at Madrid; we’re all with him.

“No one 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 difficult for everyone. We can accept that the fans aren’t happy, but they have to boo everyone.”

Real Madrid are in action on Tuesday against a Monaco side that is also in crisis, having lost seven of its last eight games in Ligue 1.

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