Mbappé’s Real Madrid Dream Turns Into Early Season Struggles
The Galactico arrival of Kylian Mbappé at Real Madrid hasn’t gone as smoothly as many anticipated.
[Photo: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images]
Despite signing a lucrative contract through 2029 with the Spanish giants, the 25-year-old French superstar has found consistency elusive in the early stages of his Madrid journey. While flashes of brilliance have emerged, as in his goal against Getafe this past weekend, Mbappé has yet to find his rhythm in crucial encounters.
Champions League Setback Raises Concerns
Mbappé’s struggles were starkly evident in Real Madrid’s recent 2-0 loss to Liverpool in UEFA Champions League group stage play. The absence of Vinicius Jr. upfront presented Mbappé with a prime opportunity to showcase his skills and lead the attack. Instead, the 2018 World Cup winner had a forgettable night.
Penalty Miss Adds to Frustration
Following a brief lift from his Getafe goal, Mbappé suffered another setback in Real Madrid’s midweek clash against Athletic Club. In the 68th minute, with the score tied at 1-1, Mbappé failed to convert a crucial penalty kick, ultimately contributing to a 2-1 defeat for his team.
Ronaldo Weighs In on Mbappé’s Challenges
Amid Mbappé’s turbulent start at Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo, a legend in the world of football and a former player for both Real Madrid and PSG (Paris Saint-Germain), recently offered his insights on the French forward’s adaptation to life in Spain’s capital.
“Let’s see if their head is clear and good, and if they can deal with the pressure, because Real Madrid is not PSG,” Ronaldo said. “I can’t tell you. Mbappé will go there now. How would you say Madrid is going to be better or going to be… We don’t know. Let’s see.
“I think Madrid will keep strong, but I don’t know if they will be better than last year. I don’t know. Let’s see. Only God knows. But they have a fantastic team, fantastic players.”
Deadline Day Whispers and a Growing Sense of Urgency
As the pressure mounts on Mbappé to deliver, whispers have begun to circulate regarding a potential reunion with his former club, PSG. Some pundits even suggest a return to the French capital could be on the cards, but sources close to Mbappé maintain that the striker remains committed to proving himself at Real Madrid.
Nevertheless, the question lingers: Can Mbappé adapt to the demands and expectations of one of the biggest clubs in the world, or will his dream transfer evolve into a disappointing chapter in his illustrious career? The scrutiny will undoubtedly intensify, and the clock is ticking for Mbappé to establish himself as a true Galactico.
What are some potential reasons behind Mbappé’s struggles to adapt to Real Madrid?
## Interview: Mbappé’s Madrid Missteps
**Host:** Joining us today is football analyst, Alex Reed, to discuss the surprising struggles Kylian Mbappé has faced since joining Real Madrid. Welcome to the show.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Mbappé’s arrival was hailed as the beginning of a new era for Madrid. After all, this is a player who has consistently performed at the highest level. What’s behind his difficulties settling in?
**Alex Reed:** It’s certainly a curious situation. Mbappé undeniably possesses world-class talent, but we haven’t seen that translate consistently in a Madrid shirt yet. Perhaps the weight of expectation is playing a role.
He’s stepping into a club with a rich history and enormous pressure to succeed, and that can be a burden for even the most gifted footballer.
The recent Champions League game against Liverpool highlighted these struggles. With Vinicius Jr. absent, Mbappé had a chance to shine as the main attacking threat, but unfortunately, he was largely ineffective. [[1](https://apnews.com/article/kylian-mbappe-real-madrid-f6425745768cac282329cea19af8fdd9)]
**Host:** He also missed a penalty in Real Madrid’s most recent midweek clash. Could this be a mental block developing?
**Alex Reed:** It’s certainly possible. Missing a penalty can be a huge psychological blow, especially for a player used to being so clinical in front of goal. However, it’s still early days.
Mbappé has shown glimpses of his potential, like his goal against Getafe, and he has plenty of time to adapt to his new surroundings.
**Host:** What does Mbappé need to do to turn things around?
**Alex Reed:** He needs to find his rhythm within the team’s system. Building strong partnerships with his
attacking teammates, like Karim Benzema, will be crucial.
He also needs to find that confidence and consistency that have characterized his career so far.
Remember, even the greatest players experience slumps.
Mbappé has the talent and the pedigree to overcome this challenge and become the star Real Madrid hoped he would be.
**Host:** Well said. We’ll certainly be watching his progress closely. Thank you for your insights, Alex Reed.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure.
