Real Madrid turn to club legend in bid to help get the best out of Kylian Mbappe: Reports
Real Madrid have reportedly turned towards club legend Zinedine Zidane to help bring the most out of struggling Kylian Mbappe. As reported by Spanish outlet SPORT via Madrid Universal, the former Los Blancos player and manager has been approached to help his compatriot out.
Expectations were massive from Mbappe as he finally made his much-anticipated switch to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer. While he joined Real Madrid on a free transfer after his contract expiry at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), he reportedly earned a massive sign-on bonus and big wages.
However, the France skipper has not quite been able to live up to the lofty expectations so far. He has so far produced nine goals and two assists in 18 appearances across competitions but his performances have been nowhere near his true potential.
Mbappe has struggled to adjust to Carlo Ancelotti's system, in which he has mostly been used as a number nine. He was played in his preferred position on the left flank against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League in midweek but had a forgettable game. He also missed a penalty as they lost 2-0 at Anfield.
It has been claimed that the Spanish capital club are very much patient with their star attacker and are ready to support him. They are looking to help the Frenchman to destress himself and find his feet at the club.
Zinedine Zidane, who shares a close bond with Mbappe, has reportedly been approached by his former employers to aid his compatriot. The former French midfielder also had his struggles initially at Real Madrid after his move from Juventus in 2001.
French football great backs Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe to bounce back to his best
French legend Michel Platini has insisted that Kylian Mbappe will rediscover his form despite his initial struggles at Real Madrid. The French forward is not having the best debut season for Los Blancos following his sensational switch to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mbappe had a day to forget against Liverpool in the Champions League on November 27 as his side lost 2-0. The 25-year-old was handed a start on the left flank and had only one shot on target throughout the game. The France skipper lost the ball on 15 occasions and also missed his spot kick which would have made the game 1-1.
However, Michel Platini has tipped his compatriot to find his best form for his new club as he stated, as quoted by SPORT:
“I see him looking a bit lost on the pitch. A great champion must rise from the ashes, systematically. This is what will make Kylian a great champion. It will only be a small bump, for French football and for him."
Real Madrid have struggled this season as a unit despite winning LaLiga, Supercopa de Espana, and Champions League last season. They are second in LaLiga while sitting 24th in the Champions League just clear on the elimination zone.