Mbappé breaks silence on Xabi Alonso sacking: 'I won't play dumb, things happened'
Real Madrid star addresses fan backlash after Levante match and defends Vinicius, while opening up about his relationship with departed manager Xabi Alonso.
Kylian Mbappé has finally spoken out amid the storm brewing at Real Madrid following Xabi Alonso’s shock dismissal and the team’s recent poor form.
Facing the music
The French superstar fronted up to the media with remarkable composure following a turbulent week for Los Blancos. After being on the receiving end of whistles during Saturday’s match against Levante and the fallout from Xabi Alonso’s sacking, Mbappé didn’t shy away from addressing the elephant in the room.
“I won’t play dumb, clearly things happened,” Mbappé admitted when pressed about Alonso’s departure. “That’s life at a big club. Many things being said aren’t true. It’s not right, but we accept it.”
The 30-goal forward revealed he spoke with Alonso after the news broke, offering support during a difficult moment. Despite the controversy, Mbappé was quick to defend his former manager’s reputation.
“To say Xabi Alonso didn’t succeed at Madrid isn’t true. He left before the titles were decided,” he insisted. “Xabi will be a fantastic manager. I have a spectacular relationship with him and wish him the best.”
Standing by Vinicius
Mbappé also addressed the Bernabéu faithful’s treatment of Vinicius Jr, who bore the brunt of fan frustration during recent matches:
“It’s not Vinicius’ fault if we don’t play as we should. It’s the entire squad’s fault,” he stated firmly. “The Madrid fans shouldn’t single out one player. We need to change the situation and we know it.”
The Frenchman showed genuine empathy for his Brazilian teammate: “He’s a person, a human. It’s normal that it affects him. He’s a great player and an incredible man. We need to protect him better so he doesn’t feel alone. He’ll never be alone at Madrid.”
Taking responsibility
Rather than deflecting criticism, Mbappé acknowledged the fans’ right to voice displeasure while calling for unity:
“I understand the people. Before being a footballer, I was a young fan watching matches – if I wasn’t happy, I’d whistle too. The fans are angry, but they’re with us.”
With Madrid’s season threatening to go Pete Tong, Mbappé’s mature response suggests the dressing room isn’t throwing in the towel just yet. The question remains whether they can turn things around under interim management after Alonso’s controversial exit.