Ego, mentality, friendship - all these words were thrown along now and then when Kylian Mbappe was closing in on the final deal with Real Madrid after years of pursuing. More was said about the player's supposed ego than his ability and skills. More was said about how he would bring animosity amongst the united team of Real Madrid and set the team's unity ablaze.
Much was stated and speculated. And now that we're more than halfway through the season, I can't smell anything that was dispersed around. The squad plainly functions as a group of friends who enjoy one other's company and strive to achieve the club's common aim.
Carlo Ancelotti talks about the team's chemistry
But, again, what I say may not be as influential as a voice from within the club. A voice that resonates with this particular group of players more than with anybody else. Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press before the game against Rayo Vallecano on the team's camaraderie and teamwork.
Speaking to the media, the manager said: “I don’t make a balance between each game, sometimes one player stands out more, sometimes another. I want to be focused on the team. Sometimes it affects someone individually, but for me it’s important that the whole team works well, in attack and defence. There is no envy in the team, if one player stands out more, the others are happy. That’s important.”
The final few lines make it quite evident that the stories that were previously being disseminated were irrelevant. And all of this was evident in the first few games the new squad played together. However, if a clearance from the management confirms it, it may as well be so.
This youthful team is too tight and strong to be damaged by one person's ego. The non-existent ego. One thing is clear: this squad is designed to be together for a long time. They will win the most prestigious awards together. Some may do more than others, but you will always see them clapping with big smiles for their peers. These things are insignificant in comparison to their companionship. Perhaps smaller than the mentality of many?