In the wake of Real Madrid’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool, former Madrid star Gareth Bale has come to the defense of Kylian Mbappé, who missed a crucial penalty in the match. Despite growing criticism of the French forward’s recent form, Bale remains steadfast in his belief that Mbappé is still the best player in the world.
Bale: “It’s Just a Matter of Time”
Speaking to TNT Sports, Bale acknowledged that Mbappé’s penalty miss was a significant moment in the game but emphasized that such setbacks are part and parcel of football. “It does happen. I’ve missed penalties, everyone’s missed penalties,” the Welshman remarked. “It’s just unfortunate that at the moment it’s not quite going Mbappé’s way.”
However, Bale was quick to express his unwavering faith in Mbappé’s abilities. “I think on his day he’s the best player in the world, and it’s just a matter of time before he comes good,” he asserted. This vote of confidence comes at a time when the 23-year-old has scored just twice in his last nine appearances for the reigning Spanish and European champions.
Ancelotti Calls for Patience
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti also addressed Mbappé’s penalty miss and recent struggles, admitting that the star forward is currently suffering from a “lack of confidence.” However, like Bale, Ancelotti urged patience and understanding as Mbappé works to rediscover his best form.
It’s [the penalty] obviously a big moment in the game, but it can happen.
Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid midfielder
Midfielder Jude Bellingham echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the immense pressure Mbappé faces due to his prodigious talent. “The pressure that he holds, because of how good he is, is huge. It’s humongous,” Bellingham told TNT Sports. Despite the penalty miss, he encouraged Mbappé to “keep his head high,” expressing confidence that the Frenchman will produce “many more moments that are huge for this club.”
Madrid’s Uphill Battle
The defeat to Liverpool leaves Real Madrid in a precarious position in the Champions League, with the club currently sitting 24th in the league phase table after three losses in five matches. To qualify for the knockout rounds, Madrid will need to secure positive results against Atalanta, RB Salzburg, and Brest in their remaining group stage fixtures.
In the meantime, the team will look to bounce back in LaLiga when they host Getafe on Sunday. As Mbappé seeks to regain his scoring touch and silence his critics, the support and belief of teammates like Bale and Bellingham, as well as the guidance of Ancelotti, could prove instrumental in helping the young superstar navigate this challenging period in his career.
While the road ahead may be difficult, the football world will be watching closely to see if Kylian Mbappé can indeed recapture the form that has made him one of the most electrifying and sought-after players of his generation. For now, as Gareth Bale suggests, it may simply be a matter of time before the French phenom once again takes the sport by storm.
The defeat to Liverpool leaves Real Madrid in a precarious position in the Champions League, with the club currently sitting 24th in the league phase table after three losses in five matches. To qualify for the knockout rounds, Madrid will need to secure positive results against Atalanta, RB Salzburg, and Brest in their remaining group stage fixtures.
In the meantime, the team will look to bounce back in LaLiga when they host Getafe on Sunday. As Mbappé seeks to regain his scoring touch and silence his critics, the support and belief of teammates like Bale and Bellingham, as well as the guidance of Ancelotti, could prove instrumental in helping the young superstar navigate this challenging period in his career.
While the road ahead may be difficult, the football world will be watching closely to see if Kylian Mbappé can indeed recapture the form that has made him one of the most electrifying and sought-after players of his generation. For now, as Gareth Bale suggests, it may simply be a matter of time before the French phenom once again takes the sport by storm.
