Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward’s entourage believes Vinicius wants to make him the ‘bad guy’ – report
According to explosive claims made on El Chiringuito TV, Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe’s inner circle believes Vinicius Jr. is attempting to position the French superstar as the “bad guy” within the club.
In fact, the outlet also states that Mbappe feels unhappy with the way he has been treated by current Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
Over recent weeks, Mbappe has repeatedly found himself at the centre of controversy.
First came the criticism surrounding his trip to Italy during his recovery period, despite the fact the outing had been authorised by the club itself.
Then came his comments about being the “fourth-choice striker” under Arbeloa, remarks that created even more noise around his relationship with the coaching staff.
Now, attention has shifted towards the dressing room dynamic involving Vinicius.
Mbappe feels alone at Real Madrid
According to the report, Mbappe’s entourage believes there is an internal battle developing between the two superstar forwards over influence, image and leadership within the squad.
The feeling growing around the club is that the coexistence between Vinicius and Mbappe has become increasingly complicated.
As explained during the programme, Mbappe’s camp believes Vinicius wants to “beat” the Frenchman in that internal rivalry and, in the process, portray him negatively publicly and privately.
As such, the relationship between both players is currently far from ideal, and one of the biggest concerns for Mbappe revolves around isolation.
Unlike several other influential figures, the French attacker has not built strong internal alliances since arriving at the club.
Mbappe has kept his distance
In fact, he has avoided creating cliques or groups within the squad, which now leaves him feeling exposed during difficult moments.
At the same time, Mbappe feels he lacks teammates willing to publicly defend him or balance the criticism aimed in his direction.
Yet, one important factor reportedly remains in his favour: the continued support of club president Florentino Perez.
However, what makes the situation more dangerous is the fragile atmosphere already existing inside the squad after a season filled with controversy, internal disagreements and managerial instability.
And in that regard, Mbappe feeling isolated will only intensify speculation surrounding the dressing room environment.
Real Madrid’s performance against Real Betis was shambolic, to say the least as the team faced many of the problems that have haunted them over the past couple of years.
But on a night where most of the attackers struggled to create anything of note, Dean Huijsen emerged as a lone bright spark for Los Blancos.
Huijsen keeps his promise
As reported by MARCA, Huijsen was the standout performer for Real Madrid, marshalling the backline with real authority even as the team struggled around him.
There has been a noticeable shift in the young defender’s mentality this season, with the player showing more competitive nature and looking much fiercer.
This is an attitude Huijsen had always promised, having inherited the iconic number four shift from David Alaba, a number he associates with his idols Sergio Ramos and Fernando Hierro.
“What I do know is that I’ll give everything of myself every day, whether in training or in a game,” he vowed, and at La Cartuja he delivered on that word.
His primary task was neutralising Juan ‘Cucho’ Hernandez, and he did so superbly, drying up the Colombian’s supply and repeatedly anticipating danger.
He also held his own in a niggly battle with Antony, refusing to be ruffled by one of Betis’ most inspired performers.
His composure on the ball, one of the qualities that has elevated him, saw him venture forward, forcing a fine save from the goalkeeper in the 11th minute and later heading against the woodwork.
The Konate partnership grows
Alongside him, Ibrahima Konate did his job, albeit without matching his partner’s brilliance.
The Frenchman was a little less assured, both in and out of possession, reflecting the two speeds of the centre-back pairing.
Huijsen looks settled and increasingly commanding, while Konate is still building the sharpness needed to reach his best in white.
Nonetheless, the partnership is heading in the right direction, and in Huijsen, Real Madrid appear to have unearthed a genuine leader for an area that has long been a weakness.
Each performance is also an argument to Luis de la Fuente, as the defender looks to reclaim the Spain spot he lost before the World Cup.
