Florentino Perez, president of Real Madrid, has openly defended Kylian Mbappé amidst criticism following the club’s underwhelming performance in recent competitions. Despite finishing second in La Liga to Barcelona and exiting the Champions League at the quarter-final stage for the second consecutive year, Perez emphasized that Mbappé should not be blamed for the team’s struggles.
Mbappé’s Current Performance
The French forward is in contention for the Liga Golden Boot and is likely to secure the top scorer award in the Champions League. His impressive scoring record has not gone unnoticed, even amid heightened scrutiny from fans and critics alike.
Perez’s Stance on Team Dynamics
In a candid interview, Perez expressed that he does not engage with players about the coach’s tactics or decisions. Instead, he maintains a professional relationship, greeting players during training without delving into personal discussions. He affirmed, “Mbappé is the best player of Madrid at this moment.”
Challenges Faced by Real Madrid
- The squad experienced a challenging 2025-26 campaign.
- Real Madrid was eliminated in the Copa del Rey by Albacete.
- Bayern Munich knocked them out of the Champions League.
Perez cited physical exhaustion as a major issue, indicating that a demanding schedule, including participation in the Club World Cup, contributed to their struggles. The president noted, “We played every three days and have not taken care of the physical side.”
Addressing Internal Conflicts
Perez also tackled rumors of discord within the squad, particularly following reports of a dressing room altercation between players Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni. He expressed concern about incidents leaking to the media and emphasized the need for such matters to remain private.
Looking Ahead for Real Madrid
As Real Madrid prepares for its final matches of the La Liga season against Real Oviedo, Sevilla, and Athletic Club, fans are hopeful for Mbappé’s timely return from injury. The coming weeks will be crucial for the club as it seeks to regroup and address the challenges faced this season.
