The echo of Kylian Mbappé’s complicated start to the season with Real Madrid goes beyond the borders of football. After his Dallas Mavericks team defeated the San Antonio Spurs on the night of 17 November, Luka Doncic spoke about the French international’s situation with his former club.
The basketball player is passionate about the club, having spent four seasons there before being drafted by the Mavericks in 2018. So he knows the weight of this jersey. He recalls this in his speech. “I grew up at Real. I learned everything there. It’s a big part of my life. I can say it’s my second home,” he says.
“Kylian Mbappé needs time”
According to the 25-year-old Slovenian playmaker, the former Paris Saint-Germain player needs to be patient to succeed at Real Madrid because the pressure will always be there. “Kylian Mbappé needs time to adapt to Real and he must not accept giving in to the pressure,” he says.
His arrival at Real Madrid was closely watched and eagerly awaited by all football fans and enthusiasts. Considered one of the greatest players of his generation, Mbappé came to Real to take a step forward in his career. But since his debut, the path seems more chaotic than expected. The player trained at AS Monaco is struggling to find his place in the squad of the reigning European and Spanish champions.
“Mbappé needs to get that he has to be a 9”
Despite rather decent numbers (8 goals and 2 assists in 16 matches across all competitions), Kylian seems isolated in Carlo Ancelotti’s game plan. Positioned at the tip of the Madrid attack, the number 9 is still struggling to assimilate this new role. He is used to playing on the left side, occupied by the 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up, Vinicius Jr.
According to former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, his compatriot needs to learn to adapt. “I don’t think Ancelotti will move Vinicius, he’s the best in the world in that position. Mbappé needs to get into his head that he has to be a 9 and forget the left side. He was very good on the left and now he needs to be good elsewhere,” says the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner.
This poor form on the pitch and numerous off-field issues prevented the French team captain from joining Les Bleus during the November window. Returning to Madrid earlier to train after a few days of vacation, Kylian Mbappé has the rest of the year to regain his former level. The first step is against Leganés on 24 November 2024 for the 14th matchday of La Liga.
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