Real Madrid megastar believes people inside the club tried to damage his image | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappe is feeling increasingly isolated inside Real Madrid, with new reports suggesting the French superstar believes certain figures within the club have attempted to damage his public image during a chaotic final stretch of the season.

According to reports from MARCA, Mbappe has been deeply affected by the criticism and internal tension surrounding him over recent weeks. 

Notably, the growing frustration explains why the forward decided to publicly speak after Real Madrid’s victory over Real Oviedo, where he made controversial comments regarding his role in the team.

Tough weeks for Mbappe

The situation around Mbappe has rapidly deteriorated since his injury absence during the decisive Clasico defeat against Barcelona. 

Criticism had earlier intensified after the Frenchman travelled to Italy with his partner during his recovery period, a decision that angered sections of the Madrid fanbase.

Mbappe came on as a second half substitute. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Against Oviedo, the atmosphere reached another level when Mbappe entered the pitch from the bench and was loudly booed by supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Following the match, Mbappe added more fuel to the growing controversy by publicly stating that he had not started because he was currently viewed as the “fourth-choice forward” in the squad under Alvaro Arbeloa.

Arbeloa immediately denied making such a statement, publicly contradicting the player and creating even more attention around the dressing-room situation.

Relationship seems to have collapsed

According to the outlet, the relationship between Mbappe and Arbeloa has been deteriorating for months.

Injuries affecting the Frenchman, combined with the continued rise of Vinicius Jr., changed the internal dynamic around the squad. 

Mbappe seems to be feeling the pressure. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

As Real Madrid’s season slowly collapsed and the club fell out of the title race for a second consecutive year, tensions inside the dressing room began surfacing more openly.

Apart from that, however, what has hurt Mbappe most is the belief that some people inside the club have actively attempted to undermine him during this difficult period.

That feeling of betrayal is one of the main reasons behind his emotional reaction after the Oviedo match and why the conflict between player and manager now appears far from resolved.

The Frenchman feels unfairly targeted at a time when confidence around the team has already collapsed following another disappointing campaign.