Real Madrid icon Luka Modric makes feelings clear about Kylian Mbappe amid struggles in front of goal
Real Madrid legend Luka Modric has shared his thoughts on summer arrival Kylian Mbappe's struggles in front of goal. The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer on a free transfer after a seven-season stint at Paris Saint-Germain.
Mbappe made a goalscoring start to life at the Bernabeu, scoring in their 2-0 win in Warsaw over reigning UEFA Europa League winners Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup. However, the Frenchman has lost steam in recent games, scoring once in seven outings across competitions.
That includes blanks in his last three UEFA Champions League outings, with Los Blancos losing twice - 1-0 at Lille and 3-1 at home to AC Milan in midweek. He also didn't score in the 4-1 LaLiga home win over Osasuna, where Vinicius Junior bagged a hat-trick as Los Blancos snapped a two-game losing run across competitions.
Nevertheless, veteran Los Blancos midfielder Modric isn't too concerned with Mbappe going quiet in front of goal, saying (as per Madrid Xtra):
“Kylian Mbappé? We know who he is. He's one of the best. We know his goals will come. We have confidence. We are in this together with him.”
Overall, Mbappe now has eight goals and two assists in 16 outings across competitions for Los Blancos. That includes six goals and an assist in 11 games in LaLiga, where he has scored just once in his last four games.
Real Madrid boss offers support to out-of-form striker Kylian Mbappe
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has given his full support to embattled striker Kylian Mbappe. Ahead of the LaLiga home win over Osasuna on Saturday, the Italian said that multiple players are going through a barren run.
Although Vinicius roared back to form with a scintillating hat-trick, Mbappe's poor run continued. Nevertheless, Ancelotti said about the Frenchman before the Osasuna game (as per the BBC):
"Mbappe is down like everyone else, but motivated to get through this moment. The problem he's having is everyone's problem. You could point at Vinicius (Junior), Rodrygo or (Jude) Bellingham. It is a difficult moment for everyone."
"We haven't hit our stride yet. You can't let your head drop. You have to hold it high," he added.
Real Madrid will next be in action in LaLiga when they visit Leganes on November 24, after the international break.