On the eve of the crucial match against RB Salzburg in the Champions League, Kylian Mbappé appeared at a press conference to answer questions from journalists. After a turbulent period, marked by a painful defeat in the Supercup and a mixed start in a Madrid shirt, the French striker spoke lucidly about his state of mind, his ambitions and his adaptation to Real Madrid. Between self-criticism and the promise of a rebound, the Bondy native reveals a competitive mentality ready to do anything to take his team to the top.
Kylian, how did the team cope with the Supercup defeat to Barcelona?
Mbappé: It was a difficult week, a very sad week. Losing a final, especially against a direct rival, hurts. Everyone on the plane was devastated. But in football, you have to be able to turn the page quickly. We concentrated on our next objective, the Cup, and beating Celta wasn’t easy. The Clásico was a very bad game on our part, but now our minds are already on Salzburg.
You were described as ‘timid’ at the start of the season. What do you think about that?
Mbappé: Shy? No, never shy. But at Real Madrid, you have to arrive with humility. It’s a club that has won everything, so it’s impossible to make demands from the outset. You have to respect the club’s history and work hard. I don’t set myself any precise limits. If I score 40 goals, fine. If it’s more, even better.
Why do you think this complicated start to the season?
Mbappé: I’ve been thinking too much. How to play, how to move… When you over-analyse, you end up not playing naturally. It affected me. As for the criticism in France, I’ve got nothing against the national team. My love for Les Bleus is intact. I want to be back in March. But for the moment, my focus is entirely on Madrid and giving my best here.
🚨⚪️ Mbappé: “It’s a dream every day to be at Real Madrid. Every day at training, playing at the Bernabéu, wearing this shirt… it’s a dream”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 21, 2025
“Even when there was criticism, I know it’s not about the fans or Real people… it was only my fault when I was playing bad”. pic.twitter.com/UHaj0edI6X
Are you already at 100% or do you still have room for improvement?
Mbappé: I always give my best, but I think I can still do better. I played well at Las Palmas, but I feel I haven’t yet reached my full potential.
What did the gesture to the fans at the Bernabeu after the whistles mean?
Mbappé: It was simple: to show that we’re all united. We understand the criticism, but we need all the Madridistas to win and continue to write the history of this great club.
How do you deal with the whistles for Tchouaméni and the demands of the fans?
Mbappé: I need that pressure to do my best. The whistle against Celta was deserved, because at Madrid you always have to win. But it’s up to us to change that perception, and I think we’re succeeding. It was difficult against Celta. Then on Sunday, we scored in 30 seconds, which shows that we’re making rapid progress.
Is playing for Real Madrid still a dream for you?
Mbappé: Every day I realise what a privilege it is. Coming to Valdebebas, wearing that shirt… I’m living the dream. Even when I wasn’t playing well, I knew it was up to me to improve, not the others. I’m also learning to adapt to the Spanish culture, which is different from the French one, but I’m enjoying myself and my life here.
🚨⚪️ Kylian Mbappé: “I was humble in the first few months, not shy… because you arrive at Real Madrid, they won it all!”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 21, 2025
“You don’t arrive here and tell the other players: hey, give me the ball. That’s not the case”. pic.twitter.com/Z0WI6uyMnu
What has changed for you to get back to this level?
Mbappé: It was mainly mental. I knew I had to do more. Physically, I was ready, but I had to change my mentality. I didn’t come to Madrid to play badly. Here, you always have to be at the top of your game, and I understood that.
How bad was your start to the season?
Mbappé: It was frustrating, because I’m a player who always wants to give his all. When things don’t work out, it’s hard to accept. But that moment allowed me to question myself. After that complicated match, I changed my mentality. I couldn’t go on like that.
⚪️🧠 Kylian Mbappé: “My problem was that I thought a lot, in the first games… where to move, the correct area, you’re adapting… and when you think too much you don't play well”. pic.twitter.com/qLezDOgDFc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 21, 2025
Any message for those who criticise you?
Mbappé: I’m staying calm. When you’re a player like me, with all the expectations that surround me, it’s normal for people to talk. I don’t take it personally. My job is to stay focused and change the situation on the pitch.
With your 18 goals this season, we’re seeing a great version of you. How are you feeling?
Mbappé: I’m feeling very good. It’s been a positive month, and I’m trying to help the team as much as I can. But it’s only the beginning. I want to keep progressing and give even more to the club.
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