When Kylian Mbappé made his blockbuster move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid last summer, expectations were understandably sky-high. The French superstar was meant to take the Spanish capital by storm and propel Los Blancos to new heights. However, the reality proved far more challenging as Mbappé struggled to find his footing in the early months of his Madrid career.
“I Was Thinking a Lot” – Mbappé Opens Up About Mental Struggles
In a candid press conference ahead of Madrid’s Champions League clash with RB Salzburg, Mbappé shed light on the mental hurdles he faced during his adaptation period. “I was thinking a lot,” the 24-year-old admitted. “I was adapting, thinking a lot about how to move, how to find space, whether I should get into Vinícius Júnior’s zone, or Rodrygo’s. When you think so much, you don’t play well.”
Mbappé’s introspection reveals a player grappling with the weight of expectations and the need to seamlessly integrate into a new team dynamic. The forward’s overthinking on the pitch translated into uncharacteristically lackluster performances, a far cry from the electrifying displays that made him a global icon at PSG.
Hitting “Rock Bottom” with Penalty Misses
The nadir of Mbappé’s early Madrid struggles came in the form of two crucial missed penalties in the space of a week. The first, against Liverpool in the Champions League on November 27th, was followed by another squandered spot-kick against Athletic Club in LaLiga on December 4th. Madrid lost both matches, compounding Mbappé’s misery.
“I’m a player who always wants to do more. And when you see that you don’t do that, it affects you … After the game [in Bilbao], I knew I couldn’t do worse, that I could only improve.”
– Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé’s honest assessment of hitting “rock bottom” demonstrates the immense pressure he placed on himself to deliver for his new club. The missed penalties served as a harsh reality check and a catalyst for change.
Turning the Tide: Mbappé’s Resurgence
Fortunately for Mbappé and Madrid fans alike, the French forward has emphatically turned a corner in recent weeks. A stunning goal in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona, albeit in a losing effort, was followed by another sensational strike against Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey. Mbappé then bagged a brace against Las Palmas in LaLiga, with only the offside flag denying him a hat-trick.
This resurgence has seen Mbappé score 4 goals in his last 3 games, taking his tally to 18 in all competitions this season. The former Monaco prodigy appears to have rediscovered his mojo, with his searing pace, deft dribbling, and lethal finishing once again striking fear into opposition defenses.
- Mbappé’s last 3 games:
- Spanish Super Cup Final vs Barcelona: 1 goal
- Copa del Rey vs Celta Vigo: 1 goal
- LaLiga vs Las Palmas: 2 goals
Ancelotti’s Faith in Mbappé Never Wavered
Throughout Mbappé’s early tribulations, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti remained steadfast in his support of the club’s marquee signing. The Italian tactician consistently backed Mbappé in public, expressing his unwavering belief in the forward’s world-class abilities.
“Mbappé is the best striker in the world.”
– Carlo Ancelotti
Ancelotti’s faith never wavered, even as Mbappé toiled on the pitch. This public show of support likely played a significant role in helping the Frenchman navigate his mental challenges and rediscover his best form.
The Road Ahead: Mbappé’s Quest for Glory
With Mbappé now firing on all cylinders, Real Madrid’s prospects for the remainder of the season look considerably brighter. Los Blancos are still in contention for the Champions League, Copa del Rey, and LaLiga titles, with Mbappé poised to play a pivotal role in their quest for glory.
The Frenchman’s resurgence has not only silenced his early critics but has also reaffirmed his status as one of the game’s most gifted players. If Mbappé can maintain his current form and lead Madrid to silverware, his early-season struggles will be nothing more than a distant memory.
As Mbappé prepares to take on RB Salzburg in the Champions League, his renewed confidence and hunger for success bode well for Madrid’s chances. The football world waits with bated breath to see if the French superstar can etch his name into the annals of Real Madrid history and cement his legacy as one of the greatest players of his generation.
