Real Madrid head into one of the most decisive fixtures of the season under a cloud of tension, with fresh reports suggesting that internal frustration is beginning to surface at the very top of the club.
With El Clasico fast approaching, all eyes are now on Kylian Mbappe and his availability for the clash against Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
According to a recent update from SPORT, club president Florentino Perez is far from pleased with the French forward’s recent conduct.
Back when Perez decided to sign the Frenchman, the expectation was made clear that Mbappe is the face of Real Madrid’s long-term project.
That responsibility comes with standards, both on and off the pitch, and it appears those expectations have not been fully met in recent weeks.
Perez is not pleased
Right now, the immediate concern remains his fitness. Mbappe is currently dealing with a hamstring issue, and the club has already scheduled medical tests at Valdebebas to assess his condition.
There is a strong push from the president himself to have him available for Sunday’s showdown.
The message from the top is that Perez wants his star man on the pitch for the biggest game of the season.
Florentino Perez is not happy with Mbappe’s conduct. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Yet, the situation is not as straightforward as it may seem. Despite Mbappe’s undeniable quality, recent results have raised uncomfortable questions.
The team’s record with him in the starting line-up has been far from convincing, with only two wins in their last eight matches when he has featured.
In contrast, Madrid have looked more stable without him, winning six of their last seven games across La Liga and the Champions League.
A trip to Italy
Off the pitch, matters have only added to the tension, as Mbappe’s recent trip to Italy and France, at a time when the squad was preparing for an important match against Espanyol, has not gone down well within the club.
Given his injury status and the importance of the upcoming Clasico, many inside and around Real Madrid viewed the timing of that trip as unnecessary.
What initially seemed like a minor distraction has now grown into a bigger talking point.
With pressure building and expectations sky-high, Sunday’s clash could be a defining moment for Mbappe’s standing within the club.