Real Madrid's pursuit of Kylian Mbappe has been a source of disappointment for the club, and it's not just the fans who are left scratching their heads. The French forward's recent actions and decisions have sparked a heated debate within the club, leaving many to question his commitment and professionalism. From his Instagram posts to his training ground behavior, Mbappe's actions have raised concerns among the management and players alike. In this article, I'll delve into the latest developments surrounding Mbappe's situation at Real Madrid, exploring the reasons behind the growing disappointment and the potential implications for the club's future.
The Missing Piece
Kylian Mbappe, a 27-year-old striker, has been a key player for Real Madrid, but his recent form and conduct have raised questions. The club's medical staff deemed him unfit to play against Barcelona, and his Instagram post during the game, showing him watching the match from home, caused a stir. The fact that he posted it with Madrid already 2-0 down attracted criticism, and the reality is that nothing around Mbappe is simple these days. The growing disappointment with Mbappe at various levels within Madrid is a result of a series of events that have unfolded in recent weeks.
A Trip to Italy and a Hamstring Problem
Mbappe's absence from the Barcelona game can be traced back to a trip to Italy with his partner. This trip did not go down well internally, as he did not return to the Spanish capital until shortly before kick-off in Madrid's match at Espanyol on Sunday, May 3. Over the next week of build-up to the decisive meeting with their Clasico rivals, there was confusion over whether he would be able to participate. The club's medical staff deemed him unfit to play, and his training ground behavior, including a row with a member of Madrid's coaching team, contributed to a growing bad atmosphere at the club.
The Growing Disappointment
The extent of the bad atmosphere was laid bare after the dressing-room fight between Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde at the training ground on Thursday. The club's management and players are growingly disappointed with Mbappe's actions and decisions, and the question remains: should Madrid fans expect to see him play again this season? With three games left in La Liga, the answer is uncertain. One Madrid source believes he would like to avoid playing at the Bernabeu again this term, having already been jeered by home fans on more than one occasion.
The Mourinho Factor
In the midst of all this, there are talks between Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho's agent, Jorge Mendes. Mourinho, 63, outlined his main ideas for the project, and both parties will continue talks when the schedule allows it. Benfica are aware of the situation and are considering options to replace Mourinho in case he leaves. Mourinho is under contract until June 2027, but there is a clause allowing him to depart within 10 days of the end of their season (on May 16) if a release clause of around €3million (£2.6m; $3.5m) is met.
The Way Forward
Real Madrid's pursuit of Kylian Mbappe has been a source of disappointment for the club, and it's not just the fans who are left scratching their heads. The French forward's recent actions and decisions have sparked a heated debate within the club, leaving many to question his commitment and professionalism. As the season draws to a close, the club must decide whether to continue with Mbappe or move on. The answer lies in the hands of the management and players, who must weigh the pros and cons of keeping him. In my opinion, the growing disappointment with Mbappe's actions and decisions suggests that the club may be better off without him.