Paco González has effectively written off Kylian Mbappé, suggesting the French star is prioritizing the upcoming World Cup over the remainder of the season at Real Madrid. The journalist made the controversial remarks during a broadcast of *El Tertulión de Tiempo de Juego*, where the panel dissected what they called the “strange” and “suspicious” behavior of the forward in recent weeks.
González took a more nuanced stance than some of his colleagues, defending Mbappé to a degree. He argued that the player’s main mistake is not his physical condition or commitment on the pitch, but rather the public image he is projecting. “Stay in Madrid, don’t go to Italy, don’t post any stories if you’re losing 2-0,” González said, downplaying the situation as minor missteps.
The core of González’s analysis was that Mbappé is consciously avoiding injury risks. “Why would he risk his leg when a World Cup is coming? It’s perfectly understandable,” González stated. He acknowledged the difficulty of proving this theory publicly but stood by it, reigniting the debate about the player’s dedication and the influence of international tournaments on elite athletes’ decision-making.
The discussion also touched on broader tensions within the Real Madrid camp. Some panelists claimed that “a chaotic atmosphere is being created around the team,” referencing internal strife and uncertainty. One participant even invoked José Mourinho, saying the squad needs “a gladiator like Mourinho to tame the beasts.”
Comparisons were drawn to other recent conflicts at the club, such as pending contract renewals and the situation with Antonio Rüdiger, described by one pundit as a “slap in the face.” These comments paint a picture of growing pressure at the Bernabéu, where every move by key figures is scrutinized as doubts mount over the team’s stability.
