Kylian Mbappe has criticised his Real Madrid team-mates after the club slipped into the Champions League play-offs, saying there was a lack of “desire” and insisting Los Blancos are not currently a “team of champions”.
Madrid failed to do enough to avoid the play-off round, leaving them needing an extra tie to reach the next stage. In the aftermath, Mbappe delivered a blunt assessment of the squad’s attitude and the standards required at the highest level.
“We didn’t show enough desire,” Mbappe said, as he questioned whether the group is behaving like serial winners. He added that Real Madrid cannot be considered a “team of champions” if the players do not perform with the right mentality.
The comments underline growing frustration inside the dressing room after a European campaign that has not met expectations. Mbappe’s remarks also reveal the scale of the internal disappointment at having to take the longer route through the Champions League knockouts.
Real Madrid will now have to navigate the play-offs to keep their hopes alive in Europe, with Mbappe making it clear that an immediate response is required if the club is to live up to its reputation.
