Kylian Mbappe has admitted that adapting to life at Real Madrid was tougher than expected but is now relishing his return to form. The French forward, who joined Madrid after a stellar stint at Paris Saint-Germain, has hit his stride in recent weeks, scoring four goals in his last three games, including a brace in a 4-1 La Liga victory over Las Palmas.
Early Challenges in Madrid
Mbappe’s transition from PSG to Madrid wasn’t seamless. Despite scoring 27 goals in 29 league games in his final season in Paris, the 26-year-old initially struggled to replicate that form at the Santiago Bernabeu. His tally of just three goals in his first 12 matches across all competitions highlighted his early difficulties.
Reflecting on his slow start, Mbappe pinpointed a pivotal moment: a 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao in December, where he missed his second penalty in a week.
“I believe it was a mentality issue,” Mbappe shared ahead of Madrid’s Champions League clash with Salzburg. “That game made me realize I needed to work harder. I was overthinking—whether to go into space, whether to position myself near Vinicius or Rodrygo. When you overthink, you lose focus on your natural game.”
Turning the Corner
The defeat to Bilbao served as a wake-up call for Mbappe. Determined to improve, he shifted his mindset and committed to doing more for the team.
“I didn’t come to Madrid to play poorly,” he said. “This is a club where you have to perform at your best all the time. I felt bad because I wasn’t meeting my own expectations. But when you hit rock bottom, the only way is up.”
Since that turning point, Mbappe has been in electric form, bringing his season tally to 17 goals across all competitions.
Adapting with Humility
Mbappe acknowledged the pressure that comes with being a marquee signing at a club like Real Madrid. However, he emphasized the importance of humility in his approach.
“I’m not a shy player, but when you come to Madrid, you have to arrive with maximum respect,” Mbappe said. “I didn’t demand anything. I wanted to earn my place and grow in importance every day.”
He added, “I need pressure to thrive. My goal is to deliver my best performance in every game and keep improving. I know I can do better, and I’m motivated to show that.”
Champions League Context
Real Madrid currently sits 20th in the 36-team Champions League table with nine points, just four points away from the top eight that guarantee direct qualification to the last 16. Their upcoming opponents, Salzburg, are 32nd with three points, needing a win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
What’s Next for Mbappe and Madrid?
Mbappe’s recent resurgence has bolstered Madrid’s attack in the absence of other key players. As the Champions League league phase nears its conclusion, Los Blancos will rely on their star forward to secure a favorable position in the knockout stages.
“I’m ready to give my best for Madrid,” Mbappe declared. “The expectations are high, but that’s what drives me. I’m here to make a difference, and I’m confident we’ll achieve great things together.”
With his confidence restored and his form improving, Mbappe is poised to lead Madrid’s charge in both domestic and European competitions.
