Kylian Mbappe has endured mixed emotions in his opening months at Real Madrid, missing several big penalties, before clicking into gear as he begins to showcase his class
Kylian Mbappe admits he had to hit “rock bottom” to rediscover his form at Real Madrid.
Since his summer move from PSG, the Frenchman has struggled to reach the heights he’s become accustomed to. He was prolific throughout his time in Paris and regularly shone, but has had to deal with several setbacks in his opening months in Spain.
Mbappe missed a penalty in a Champions League loss at Liverpool in the Champions League and then shortly after fluffed his lines again from 12 yards when Real were trailing at Athletic Bilbao – a match they went on to lose.
The World Cup winner admits he needed that low to recover and has since seen his form improve, scoring their opener in this weekend’s win over Sevilla.
Mbappé told Real Madrid TV: “I can do a lot more. I know that I have a lot more in my legs. In the last few games I’ve played better. The game in Bilbao was good for me. I hit rock-bottom; I missed a penalty. It was the moment to realise that I have to give my all for this shirt and play with more personality.”
The Frenchman scored earlier this month as Los Blancos claimed the Intercontinental Cup with a victory over Mexican outfit Pachuca. That was his second trophy for Real having also helped them claim the UEFA Super Cup.
“I think we’ve gotten to know each other better,” Mbappe said on his recent improvements. “I came into the team and that changes a lot of things, but now, as [coach Carlo Ancelotti] has said, my adaptation has finished and I feel good. We can see on the pitch that I understand my teammates better, and the whole team is playing better.”
Real’s win means they close to within a point of city rivals Atletico Madrid, who went top with a late win over Barcelona on Saturday night. Ancelotti had been linked with the sack but now believes the team have clicked following a slow start and is positive about what can be achieved.
“We’ve gone back to doing things well. It’s been demanding for the squad, but little by little, the team – and Mbappé too – have got back to doing things well. We’re excited about 2025.”
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