Kylian Mbappe urges Real Madrid to look beyond refereeing controversy

Kylian Mbappe has called on Real Madrid to focus on improving their own performances rather than blaming refereeing decisions for their recent struggles.

The France forward’s comments came as debate continued to centre on the officials after Real Madrid’s defeat by Atletico Madrid in the capital derby. That discussion has overshadowed questions about the team’s form and the reasons behind their recent results.

Mbappe distanced himself from the emphasis placed on refereeing decisions in the aftermath of the match, saying he did not want to become involved in repeated arguments about officials. He also said Real Madrid needed to work harder to recover their level and return to challenging for trophies.

Asked whether he believed Real Madrid were not being given equal opportunities to compete, Mbappe said: “I don’t think I have ever been a player who talked much about referees, and I am not going to start now. I think about things, but I keep them to myself.”

The Frenchman accepted that referees are human and can make mistakes during matches. However, he stressed that he did not want refereeing decisions to dominate the discussion after every disappointing result.

His position contrasts with comments made by Mourinho after the derby defeat by Atletico Madrid. During his news conference, the Portuguese manager focused on several contentious decisions, showing images and incidents he believed were comparable with situations from other matches.

Mourinho argued that some of those decisions had favoured Atletico Madrid or Barcelona. He also said certain challenges during the derby deserved stronger punishment and pointed to what he considered inconsistencies in the way similar incidents were handled from one match to another.

As a result, the refereeing controversy became the central subject of discussion, rather than Real Madrid’s performance during the game.

The report also noted that Mourinho’s current stance was different from some of his previous comments. He has previously expressed confidence in Spanish refereeing and once said he trusted the referee before every match, even when decisions made after the final whistle had not pleased him or had led to objections.

Mbappe believes Real Madrid cannot explain their current problems solely through refereeing and must examine their own displays and address weaknesses exposed in recent matches.

“Others can talk, but we have to do more and work until the belief returns at Real Madrid, and the trophies return,” he said.

The forward’s comments place him apart from the official line being discussed within the club as Real Madrid attempt to establish the reasons for their recent decline in results.

Alongside the refereeing debate, the team has faced criticism over its performances and its ability to impose its style in major matches. Questions have also been raised about positions that have not received the required reinforcement.

There has been continuing discussion about the absence of signings or additions viewed as necessary to preserve the squad’s balance and strengthen its ability to compete. The debate has also included the period following Toni Kroos’ retirement and the effect of his departure on Real Madrid’s style and their control of the tempo in matches.