Kylian Mbappe hits back at Xabi Alonso claims and gives telling verdict amid Liverpool links

Kylian Mbappe has responded following claims he played a role in Xabi Alonso being fired at Real Madrid, with the former Liverpool midfielder now being linked with a return to Anfield

Kylian Mbappe has hit back at suggestions that he played a part in Xabi Alonso being fired by Real Madrid, while also insisting that the former Liverpool midfielder “is going to be a great coach”.

Alonso was dismissed by Real last week after less than eight months in charge at the Bernabeu. The decision was confirmed following a defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, although his departure had been on the cards for some time beforehand.

Since his exit, he has been linked with a host of jobs, including back at Liverpool as Arne Slot faces more pressure from supporters after going four games without a win in the Premier League.

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Alonso’s firing from Madrid was, in part, blamed on his relationship with his players. Vinicius Jr had a public falling-out with the 44-year-old earlier on in his tenure, while Mbappe appeared to defy his manager in his final act.

Despite Alonso calling for his players to give Barcelona a guard of honor after winning the Super Cup final, Mbappe urged his teammates against it. Although the French international subsequently sent a farewell message after Alonso’s firing, he was slammed by some for what was seen as being a major factor in his dismissal.

Speaking ahead of Real’s Champions League encounter with Monaco on Tuesday though, Mbappe hit back at those suggestions, and suggested that he still has a good relationship with Alonso.

"To say that Xabi Alonso did not succeed at Madrid is not true,” Mbappe told reporters (via Marca).

“He left before the titles were decided. Xabi is going to be a great coach. I have a great relationship with him and I wish him the best. He knows a lot about modern football, it is a decision of the club that must be respected. Now there is a coach that we have to help."

Asked whether he had spoken to Alonso following his exit, Mbappe said: "Yes, I spoke to him when the news broke. I wanted to support him because it's never easy.

“It's not my responsibility to say whether it's fair or unfair. Football is like that. It's the life of the high-level football world. You have to defend the Madrid badge."

Alonso appeared to get support from a number of Real fans during the club’s win over Levante at the weekend, with supporters booing and whistling Vinicius, Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde, all of whom are said to have clashed with their former boss.

Asked whether the response could have been a show of support for Alonso, Mbappe said: "It's possible. I understand the frustration of the people and the whistles. When I was a child, I believed that everything that was said on TV was true. Sometimes it's opinion, but our job is to compete.

"I'm not going to play dumb, of course things have happened. It's the life of a big club. There are many things that are said that are not true. It's not right but we accept it".

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