Kylian Mbappe tells Real Madrid fans who booed individuals including Vinicius Junior against Levante: ‘Whistle us all – don’t single out players’

Vinicius has been front and centre of the supporters’ ire, with the Brazilian having been on the receiving end of unwanted treatment from fans inside the ground for three consecutive matches since the 2-0 loss against Celta Vigo in early December which sparked Alonso’s reign to unravel.

Real need best version of Vinicius to win trophies – Arbeloa

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“I can understand the booing because it’s the only opportunity for the fans and madridistas get to express themselves. I completely understand the booing, but if they’re going to do it, they should boo the whole squad, not just a few players. We’re all playing poorly. We have the character and personality to change that on the pitch. The madridistas are angry, but I’m sure they’ll get back behind us again.”

Anger was also directed towards club president Florentino Perez but the reaction towards Vinicius was the most apparent, heightened by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future and stance over signing a new contract, with the Brazilian’s current deal expiring in the summer of 2027.

“It’s not Vini’s fault we’re not playing as well as we’d like. The whole squad is to blame,” Mbappe continued.

“That’s the only thing I have to say to the fans. Boo the whole squad, and we have to change it. It’s our job, and we have to turn the situation around. We’re all to blame.

“We have to accept it, it’s our job. We know that. But we can’t single out a few and say it’s their fault. It’s everyone’s fault. At Real Madrid, there are moments like this and we have to change that.

“I’m not Vini (laughs). Ask him. If you want, I can find him and have him come in here… I’m not him, and I have no advice to give him.

“He’s a fantastic player. He’s come here to Real Madrid and has experienced all the club had gone through.

“I’m nobody to give him advice. The only thing that is my responsibility is to look after him, protect him, and do everything to make him feel good and happy. When Vini is happy, he’s a completely different player.”

Vinicius was not the sole target of the jeers, with both Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde subjected to whistles during the game against Levante.

The pair were reportedly among those not on the best terms with Alonso before his contract was terminated. While the targeting of Vinicius is nothing new, the sight of Madrid supporters being publicly critical of Bellingham is a fresh development in the aftermath of Alonso’s exit.

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Mbappe added: “Nobody doubts Jude Bellingham’s quality. He has incredible potential. When he’s fit, he’s undoubtedly one of the best players in the world.

“Of course, this is a difficult time for him, but it is for everyone. We understand that these things can happen. We can accept that the fans aren’t happy, but they have to treat everyone equally; they can criticise the whole team. We’re all in the same boat.”

Arbeloa: Vinicius needs the Bernabeu at its best

Madrid currently sit seventh after six games in the Champions League and can take a huge step towards sealing a top-eight finish – and with it, an automatic place in the last 16 – with victory over Monaco on Tuesday night.

That is Arbeloa’s main focus ahead of his first European outing as head coach but he was also asked to address the mutinous sentiments of sections of the home crowd on Saturday afternoon – and in particular towards Vinicius.

Arbeloa said: “What he wants, and what I expect, want and wish for, is that the Bernabéu will support and get behind every player – and of course, that includes Vini Jr.

“This is a guy who has been writing his story at Real Madrid for many years. He’s given us two Champions League titles and many magical nights.

“He needs the Bernabeu to bring out his best. He has a huge heart, he’s very emotional, and his football reflects that.

“He loves this badge and the fans; he wants them on his side. As a coach, I would love to see a Bernabéu that stands behind its players.”

“I know what the Bernabeu crowd is like because I’ve been part of it, and I’ve told the players that. They are fair.

“Now it’s up to us to turn those boos into applause. Let them see the effort we’re putting in. We’re working on it, and we know they’ll get behind us. We have no doubt about it.

“The team is really looking forward to getting to the Bernabeu tomorrow and playing in front of their fans.”