“The problem, when you’re a star” - Kylian Mbappe set to break silence over Real Madrid struggles
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe is set to break his silence about his recent poor form amid criticism about the same. The Frenchman is scheduled to interview with the TV channel Canal+ on Sunday, December 8, addressing his recent struggles.
After years of transfer links and speculation, Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the summer of 2024. It was not surprising that fans and pundits had high expectations from Los Merengues with a frontline of Vinicius Jr, Mbappe, and Rodrygo.
However, things haven't turned out the best for the Frenchman with a noticeable dip in his form in recent months.
The star forward missed two consecutive penalties against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League and Athletic Bilbao in LaLiga. Real Madrid notably lost in both games.
Los Merengues are currently second in the league table with 33 points, four points behind table leaders Barcelona with a game in hand. They've also seen a major dip in form in the UEChampions League with six points off five games. In 20 outings for Los Blancos across competitions, Kylian Mbappe has contributed 10 goals and three assists.
In a teaser of his upcoming interview with Canal+, Kylian Mbappe weighed in on his recent poor form for Real Madrid, saying (via Madrid Universal):
"That people talk about me? The problem, when you’re a star, is that people speak for you. Every day things come out while I haven’t spoken to anyone. That’s why I’m talking to you today. At a given moment, you have to talk. People need to understand you."
Before Kylian Mbappe's interview is aired, Real Madrid will face Girona in LaLiga on Saturday (December 7). Los Blancos will then clash with Atalanta in an away fixture in the UEFA Champions League on December 10.
"He is not playing his best" - Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti on Kylian Mbappe's recent poor form for the Merengues
In a pre-match press conference on Friday (December 7), Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti weighed in on Kylian Mbappe's poor form for the Spanish giants. He said (via GOAL):
"He [Mbappe] is aware of this [his poor form] because he spoke out after the match and we are with him. He is not playing his best, there are many who don't realize this but he is aware that he is not playing his best."
Ancelotti even hinted that Mbappe may not start every game, adding:
"We have to evaluate everything, I think that in terms of intensity and speed, he has improved. It doesn't mean that he has to play every game, sometimes he can benefit from a rest."
Mbappe has been a starter in 19 out of 20 games for the Spanish giants this season. With Vinicius Jr. nearing his return after recovering from an injury, it remains to be seen whether Ancelotti retains Mbappe in the starting XI.