Kylian Mbappé and Alvaro Arbeloa, this is clearly not a love story… The Spanish media explain that the relationship between the two men is very cold, or quite simply even non-existent. It is also no coincidence that the French striker spoke after the victory against Oviedo in the middle of last week, in comments which were interpreted as a new declaration of war against his coach, who also responded quite vehemently. To the point where Florentino Pérez urgently met with the former PSG player to calm the fire.
In general, the observation of the Madrid media is clear: we must restore order in this locker room, where Kylian Mbappé is very far from being the only problem. Vinicius Jr, Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham are also cited as players who caused problems this season, particularly when Xabi Alonso was in charge. Players like Raul Asencio, Dani Carvajal or Dani Ceballos are also regularly mentioned.
The fears of the Spanish media
In this explosive context, the Merengues are waiting for José Mourinho to restore order. And it is especially the management of the Mbappé case which worries some. On the Cadena SERit was thus a question of the authority of the Special One, and of the way in which it will be accepted – or not – by its stars. “The players are no longer the same (as during his first mandate, Editor’s note). Mbappé was 12 when Mourinho won his last Champions League. The respect he inspired in players of previous generations is not the same that he can inspire in Mbappé and company”for example, launched journalist Aritz Gabilondo.
“He comes in weak. Yes he is a leader, but he has not succeeded in his last teams. He does not arrive in a context where his method works or with players who believe in him”for his part launched Jorge Pulido. A problem which therefore does not only concern the French international, but it is he who most crystallizes the fears and doubts of Madrid public opinion…
