Real Madrid News
Mbappe aims subtle dig at Real Madrid fans in Tchouameni’s defence: ‘They won’t leave you alone’
Kylian Mbappe has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, and his latest comments are likely to attract plenty of attention among Real Madrid fans.
The French superstar reflected on the criticism he and several teammates have faced throughout the season, but it was his defence of Aurelien Tchouameni that stood out the most.
In backing his international colleague, Mbappe also offered a revealing insight into the demanding environment players experience at Real Madrid.
What was said?
Tchouameni has endured a challenging journey at Real Madrid over the past couple of seasons.
Despite being regarded as one of the most talented midfielders in Europe, the Frenchman has often found himself under intense scrutiny whenever his performances dipped.
Injuries within the squad also forced him into unfamiliar roles, with the midfielder spending significant periods operating in central defence rather than his preferred position.
Speaking about his teammate, as quoted by SPORT, Mbappe made it clear that he believes Tchouameni deserves far more recognition for the way he handled those challenges.
“Tchouameni… Phew, he’s impressive. He’s a key player for the team, the vice-captain.
“What’s more, he’s at a good stage in his career. I think he’s been one of the club’s most consistent players this season at Madrid.”
Opening up on criticism at the Bernabeu
Mbappe then went a step further by highlighting the pressure players face when representing Real Madrid.
The forward pointed out that Tchouameni was dealing with heavy criticism at a time when he was regularly being asked to perform outside his natural position.
“When I arrived at Real Madrid, Aurelien was in a difficult situation. He was under pressure.
“After that, he often played as a centre-back, but at Madrid they don’t care about that: whether you play as a centre-back or a midfielder, if you don’t perform, they won’t leave you alone—that’s just how it is.
“But I liked the character he showed in turning the situation around. He came out of that experience stronger. Now he’s arriving with confidence and sure of his abilities,” he concluded.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid dressing room heavyweight raises concern over Vinicius: “We have to make him happy again”
One of the major sagas of the summer transfer window was the contract renewal involving Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid and Vinicius had been in talks over a new deal for a significant period, and there were stages when it felt like an agreement might not be reached.
However, in the end, the film had a happy ending, with the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a new deal at the club.
Despite the new deal, there are some concerns over Vinicius that have now reached the dressing room.
As quoted by Diario AS, an unnamed dressing-room heavyweight approached Mourinho after the game and expressed worry about the treatment Vinicius is receiving from a section of the Bernabeu crowd.
“Worried about Vini
The concern came after Vinicius was heavily whistled when he was substituted late in the Inter match, despite producing one of his stronger collective performances of the season.
“Boss, I am worried about Vini,” the senior player told Mourinho.
“After everything he has done for Madrid over the years, the way part of the fans have treated him is not normal. We have to make him happy again.”
This is no longer only about outside criticism or Mourinho publicly defending one of his forwards. The dressing room itself has recognised that Vinicius may need support.
Mourinho still sees Vinicius as untouchable
Despite how the crowd have been treating the 26-year-old, within the club, there is no doubt about what Vinicius brings to the table.
Mourinho sees him as one of the first names on the team sheet and an untouchable player in his plans for the club.
To his credit, the Brazilian has shown far greater defensive commitment and a willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of his team.
This has undoubtedly led Mourinho to appreciate the effort, and the manager is determined to help Vinicius return to his best level.
Madrid need to protect one of their key players
That approach makes sense.
Vinicius has spent years carrying enormous attacking responsibility at Madrid. A difficult spell should not suddenly erase what he has already shown he can provide.
If Mourinho, the president and the dressing room are all united behind Vinicius, that support could be decisive.
It is high time the Bernabeu crowd also got behind their talisman and gave him the support he deserves.
The Brazilian will also have to become more consistent with his performances, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho addresses this situation.
