JAKARTA - Kylian Mbappe said Real Madrid players need to protect Xabi Alonso after a string of unsatisfactory results in their last five matches.
Real Madrid has only managed one win in that period, three draws, and one loss. The only victory came with great difficulty when they visited Olympiacos (4-3) in the Champions League midweek.
Then, they lost when they lost to Liverpool (0-1) at Anfield, also in the Champions League. The remaining three matches, all of which ended in draws, were won in La Liga.
Real Madrid drew 0-0 against Rayo Vallecano, drew 2-2 against Elche, and most recently were held to a 1-1 draw by Girona on Monday, December 1, 2025, early morning WIB. This three-match winless streak has forced Los Blancos to relinquish the top spot in the standings to their rivals, Barcelona.
Alonso is also under pressure, with doubts surrounding his relationship with key members of the squad, including Vinicius Junior, who has been benched four times this season.
"I know people are talking a lot outside. It's normal for people to talk when you play for Real Madrid."
"We have to protect the players, the coach, and the staff. Ultimately, we're all in this together," said Mbappe, who scored four goals in Real Madrid's victory over Olympiacos.
Midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni also spoke about their coach. They echoed Mbappe's call for the team to help Alonso.
"We will do everything possible to help our coach. The first way to achieve that is to win. The last few games haven't been good, of course, because we haven't won. We have to focus on the team's mentality and keep going," said Camavinga.
"We're happy. Winning this match (against Olympiacos) was crucial, especially if we want to finish in the top eight (of the Champions League). We have to keep going like this; things won't be perfect, but it's better to come away with three more points," said Tchouameni.
Next, Real Madrid must end their winless streak in La Liga when they visit Athletic Club on Thursday, December 4, 2025, early morning WIB.
After only picking up one point each against Rayo Vallecano, Elche, and Girona, Los Blancos need all three points to stay ahead of Barcelona at the top of the table.
"It was crucial to win again. We know that three games without a win is tough for a team like ours."
"Of course, there are things we need to improve on. I won't say we're against the outside world, but we're together. I know the fans are behind us," said Mbappé.
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