Kylian Mbappé arrived at Real Madrid to mark an era... but he is encountering an unexpected problem: the disinterest of his own teammates. In the midst of the race for the Golden Boot, the French star expected more collective involvement to help him achieve the individual award.
It is not happening. In the white locker room, many are already wondering if this end of the season is becoming too long for him.
Mbappé has scored 29 goals in LaLiga and remains at the top of the Pichichi standings, but the Polish Lewandowski is hot on his heels with 25. Moreover, the Barça forward has the full support of his locker room to catch up with him in the last two matches. In contrast, at Madrid, Mbappé is rowing alone.
Coldness in the white locker room
According to the Madrid press, there is weariness in part of the locker room with Mbappé's attitude. His arrival caused excitement, but also imbalances.
Many believe that he is allowed too much and that his leadership is more imposed than natural. The consequence is that, on the field, there is no intention to help him boost his numbers.
Some recent gestures speak for themselves. In solved matches, the white players have not sought out Mbappé in a special way, as happens in other clubs when one of their stars is fighting for an individual award.
At Barça, for example, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha have sought out Lewandowski whenever they could. At Madrid, Mbappé even struggles to receive good balls.
The contrast with Barça
At Barça, the locker room has united to ensure Lewandowski surpasses Mbappé. Flick has already made it clear that the Polish player will play as much as possible, and his teammates have replied. Even though he hasn't had luck in front of the goal.
In contrast, at Madrid, Ancelotti has not shown the same determination, even though a Golden Boot for Mbappé would also be an institutional victory for Florentino.
But there is no chemistry. Neither on the field nor in the locker room. Mbappé notices it, and his body language conveys frustration.
There is one match left and he is in the lead, yes, but it increasingly feels like if he wins the Pichichi... it will be solely because of him.
The Pichichi standings with one match remaining
1.-Mbappé, 29 goals
2.-Lewandowski, 25 goals
3.-Budimir, 21 goals
4.-Ayoze, 19 goals
5.-Raphinha, 18 goals
The Golden Boot with one match remaining
1.-Viktor Gyokeres, 39 goals, 58.5 points
2.-Kylian Mbappé, 29 goals, 58 points
3.-Mohamed Salah, 28 goals, 56 points
4.-Harry Kane, 26 goals, 52 points
5.-Robert Lewandowski, 25 goals, 50 points