The tension at Real Madrid has been escalating following a recent defeat to Athletic Bilbao, with the dressing room appearing increasingly divided over Kylian Mbappé.
Arriving in the Spanish capital with “galactico” status, Mbappé is currently facing a challenging period. His lack of efficiency is starting to frustrate parts of the squad under Carlo Ancelotti’s management.
This transfer, which once seemed like a dream for the French forward, is now clashing with a very different reality. Known for shining on the big stages, Mbappé is struggling to settle in and adapt to his new surroundings, causing doubts both in the locker room and among fans.
Mbappé: A Dressing Room Split at Real Madrid
Mbappé’s evident lack of confidence has reached its peak with repeated penalty misses—once a strong suit for him, as seen in his performance during the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina. Back then, it seemed like everything he touched turned to gold, reinforcing his status as the world’s best player.
However, this period of brilliance now feels distant. Mbappé’s on-field struggles are having a ripple effect within Real Madrid’s dressing room, where tensions are beginning to emerge. His underwhelming performances are dividing the squad, creating a heavy atmosphere within the team.
The situation has worsened in recent days. In the Champions League match against Liverpool, Mbappé missed a crucial penalty. Then, in the subsequent game against Getafe, he refused to take a penalty, leaving Jude Bellingham to step up and score in his place.
Days later, at San Mamés, Real Madrid earned another penalty, but once again, Mbappé’s attempt was saved by the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper.
According to Marca, these repeated penalty failures have sparked heated discussions in the dressing room, with some even suggesting a division is starting to form, with two factions emerging within the squad.
A Divided Dressing Room at Real Madrid
The Real Madrid dressing room is now split over Mbappé and his role in penalty-taking. On one side, his staunch supporters argue that it’s essential to continue giving him these opportunities in order to rebuild his confidence. On the other hand, some are advocating for caution, suggesting that he should be temporarily removed from penalty duties until he shows signs of recovery.
Ancelotti’s Support for Mbappé
Despite the unrest, Carlo Ancelotti continues to back Mbappé. The Italian coach, known for his exceptional man-management, remains convinced that the former PSG star will eventually return to his best as he adapts to life at Real Madrid.
Ancelotti favors a patient and supportive approach, understanding that integrating into a club like Real Madrid can be a complex process, even for a player of Mbappé’s caliber. For Mbappé, used to thriving in high-pressure moments, this challenge marks an unprecedented test in his career.
