‘Players have strict schedules to stick to’ – Real Madrid legend jumps to Kylian Mbappe’s defence | OneFootball

The pressure surrounding Kylian Mbappe continues to intensify at Real Madrid after another difficult week filled with criticism, controversy and growing questions about his behaviour away from the pitch.

However, former Real Madrid player and manager Jose Antonio Camacho has now stepped forward publicly to defend the French superstar amid the storm surrounding him.

Mbappe has faced heavy scrutiny in recent days after his trip to Italy shortly before El Clasico generated frustration among supporters and sections of the Spanish media. 

The situation became even more complicated after the forward’s reaction to being left out of the starting lineup by Alvaro Arbeloa against Real Oviedo created fresh headlines around the club.

Despite the criticism, though, Camacho believes the reaction towards the Frenchman has gone too far.

The former left-back, who won nine La Liga titles with Real Madrid and five Copa del Rey as a player, insists many people are failing to understand the reality players deal with during difficult moments physically and mentally.

Camacho praises Mbappe’s attitude

Camacho has backed Mbappe. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Speaking about the controversy, the former Real Madrid manager defended Mbappe’s decision to appear publicly at the Santiago Bernabeu despite knowing he would likely face a hostile reaction from some supporters.

He said that many players in a similar situation would have chosen to avoid exposure completely.

“He stood his ground; anyone else wouldn’t have come out at the Bernabeu. 

“He did it, whereas someone else might have kept a low profile to avoid being booed.”

Camacho also suggested that Mbappe’s trip to Italy should not automatically be treated as irresponsible behaviour, especially considering the strict recovery schedules modern players follow during injury periods.

“When you’re talking about players of such elite calibre, things get out of hand. If he went out there, it’s because he was given permission to do so.

It has been a difficult season for Mbappe. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

“In these cases of injury, players have strict schedules to stick to, and I’m sure Mbappe did his bit to look after himself.”

Every move creates headlines at Real Madrid

At clubs like Real Madrid, ordinary situations rarely stay ordinary for long, especially when the player involved is one of the biggest stars in world football.

That reality is now becoming increasingly clear for Mbappe.

Every appearance, every reaction and every decision is being analysed under an enormous spotlight, particularly after a season where expectations around the French forward reached historic levels.

Understandably, the frustration partly comes from the feeling that Real Madrid finished yet another season without major silverware, which is why even small controversies can explode into major discussions.

Source: AS