Klopp Backs Mbappe, Demands Real Madrid Shake-Up with Diaz and Lunin Exits

Jurgen Klopp is not convinced that Kylian Mbappe represents the root cause of Real Madrid's current malaise and has reportedly called for Florentino Perez to conduct a significant squad overhaul this summer.

Spanish media outlets suggest the incoming manager believes the French striker's struggles stem from incompatible teammates rather than any deficiency on Mbappe's part. Instead, Klopp has identified Brahim Diaz and Andriy Lunin as players who must depart the Bernabeu.

Madrid's disappointing 1-1 stalemate against Real Betis at Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla on Friday evening has left them eight points adrift of Barcelona in LaLiga, with Perez's side now facing a second consecutive campaign without silverware in either the Spanish league or European competition.

Alvaro Arbeloa's position as manager appears increasingly precarious, and Klopp has emerged as the leading candidate to take the helm when the season concludes. Multiple reports from Spain have indicated the Liverpool legend has already committed to the switch.

Backing the Frenchman

Contrary to suggestions that Mbappe has resisted working under Klopp, the German tactician is reportedly enthusiastic about partnering with the 25-year-old at the Spanish capital. He rejects the narrative that the forward represents a problem requiring remedy.

Since his arrival in summer 2024, Mbappe has accumulated 85 goals and 11 assists across 100 appearances in all competitions. Yet some observers have questioned his partnership with Vinicius Junior and suggested he bears responsibility for Madrid's recent disappointments.

Klopp takes a contrasting view. According to Spanish sources, he believes Mbappe "cannot continue playing with two players who will be leaving Real Madrid," placing the onus for Madrid's difficulties squarely on supporting personnel rather than the striker himself.

The report states: "Jurgen Klopp, unlike many people, believes that Real Madrid's problem isn't Kylian Mbappe. Although the French star has received a lot of criticism since his arrival, and his arrival has coincided with two seasons without winning any trophies, the leading candidate to replace Alvaro Arbeloa is convinced that he isn't primarily responsible for these inconsistent results. He believes the blame lies with the rest of his teammates. Because they haven't been able to connect with the number 10, nor capitalise on his incredible scoring record."

Clearing the Decks

Klopp has purportedly informed Perez that both Moroccan winger Diaz and Ukrainian goalkeeper Lunin have no future under his tenure. The former Liverpool boss intends to "demand a major overhaul from Florentino Perez and intends to show the door to several players who aren't ready to be part of the squad, even as substitutes."

Diaz, in particular, lacks chemistry with Mbappe, with the pair reportedly failing to understand one another tactically and positionally. Meanwhile, Lunin has disappointed when called upon to deputise for the injured Thibaut Courtois, prompting Klopp's assessment that he is not of the required standard for a club of Madrid's stature.