Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has come forward in defence of Kylian Mbappe after the French forward faced heavy criticism for taking a holiday while nursing an injury. Mbappe, who is currently sidelined due to a muscle problem, has been under intense scrutiny for his actions off the pitch, raising questions about his dedication to the club during his recovery period.
Mbappe’s commitment to Real Madrid
Mbappe has been out of action since April 24 following a left thigh injury, but that hasn’t kept him away from the spotlight in Spain. The French superstar was recently photographed in Sardinia with his partner during a weekend when Real Madrid were playing against Espanyol. Although the club had approved the trip, many fans and commentators took issue with the timing, criticising the optics of the forward vacationing while his teammates were competing.
Arbeloa, however, was quick to highlight the sacrifices Mbappe made to secure his dream move to Madrid. Addressing reporters, Arbeloa said, “When it comes to Mbappe, every Madridista is aware of the efforts he made to join this club. He had everything at his previous team but still gave up a lot to wear the Real Madrid jersey. We all remember him as a kid in a Madrid tracksuit.”
Asserting control in the dressing room
The timing of Mbappe’s trip has garnered additional attention due to the tense atmosphere at the club. With Real Madrid fighting to keep their season alive in the closing stages, every player’s action is being closely examined. Arbeloa firmly stated that he continues to have complete authority over the squad and that his decisions regarding players’ personal time must be respected.
Speaking about the Sardinia controversy, Arbeloa reaffirmed his leadership role. “I feel that my authority is intact,” he explained. “Real Madrid players, like anyone else, should always recognise the coach’s authority, regardless of who that coach is. Respecting that authority is fundamental for every player.”
Refuting rumours of internal tension
In addition to the holiday criticism, online discussions have been rife with speculation about the atmosphere inside the Real Madrid camp. Recent pictures showing Mbappe smiling during training sparked debate, with some suggesting it was inappropriate following reports of a disagreement between Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde. Arbeloa dismissed such rumours, insisting these stories were exaggerated and aimed at creating unnecessary drama.
The Spaniard criticised those drawing conclusions from isolated moments. “Anyone interpreting a player’s smile after training in the wrong context is simply mistaken,” Arbeloa told the media. He emphasised that the squad remains united and focused on their objectives, unaffected by external chatter.
Mbappe’s potential return for El Clasico
The controversy comes just as Real Madrid are preparing for their crucial clash against Barcelona this Sunday. The stakes are particularly high for this El Clasico, as a win for Barcelona would secure them the La Liga title. Real Madrid, on the other hand, are determined to spoil their rivals’ celebrations and keep their faint title hopes alive in what promises to be an electrifying contest at the Camp Nou.
There is optimism surrounding Mbappe’s recovery, with reports suggesting he could be fit enough to make the trip to Barcelona. His return would be a major boost for a team that has struggled to find rhythm in recent weeks. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, the spotlight will be firmly on the former PSG star to see if he can silence his critics with a decisive performance in one of football’s most iconic fixtures.
