Teammates stand up for Mbappé after Real Madrid's 'European debacle'

Kylian Mbappé, one of the most celebrated footballers of his generation, finds himself under intense scrutiny as his debut season with Real Madrid struggles to live up to the lofty expectations surrounding his arrival.

The 25-year-old French forward, whose transfer from Paris Saint-Germain was one of the most anticipated moves in recent football history, has been criticized in the Spanish media for failing to consistently deliver the performances expected of a player of his caliber.

Publications like MARCA have adopted a balanced perspective, acknowledging his current struggles while expressing confidence in his potential. "Kylian is not performing at the expected level, but there’s no doubt about his quality," the outlet wrote. "Is Real Madrid worried about Mbappé? Yes, but no more than about other issues." The report highlighted that the club’s concerns extend beyond Mbappé’s individual form, pointing to systemic challenges, such as recurring injuries within the squad averaging one per match and a lack of a cohesive playing style. These issues, MARCA noted, pose a more immediate threat to the team’s ambitions, particularly in their quest to secure Champions League qualification.

In contrast, AS took a harsher stance, questioning whether Mbappé is living up to the immense hype surrounding his arrival. "He is not the striker or winger that was expected," the publication stated bluntly. "So far, Mbappé has scored nine goals in 18 matches. Decent numbers, but far from what was anticipated from a supposed phenomenon who scored 44 goals in 48 games for Paris Saint-Germain last season." For a player heralded as a game-changer and the future face of Real Madrid, these figures fall short of expectations.

The recent Champions League defeat to Liverpool has only amplified the scrutiny. Mbappé’s performance in the 2-0 loss was widely criticized, particularly after he missed a crucial penalty that could have changed the game’s momentum. However, in the aftermath of the match, his teammates and coach rallied around him, offering public support to deflect some of the mounting pressure.

Midfielder Dani Ceballos was among the first to defend Mbappé, emphasizing the challenges of adapting to a club of Real Madrid’s stature. "Things aren’t going perfectly for Kylian right now," Ceballos admitted. "He’s not scoring as much as he’d like, but we need to be patient with him. It’s not easy to join a club like Real Madrid. I believe he will contribute a lot to the team." Ceballos’s comments highlight the transition period that many players experience when joining a club of such magnitude, where expectations are relentlessly high, and the margin for error is minimal.

Veteran midfielder Luka Modric also expressed his confidence in Mbappé’s ability to overcome this challenging phase. "We see him working hard in training," Modric noted. "Sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn’t. He missed the penalty, but we trust him and are confident that Kylian will meet the expectations placed on him." Modric’s measured response underscores the importance of resilience and the support of teammates during difficult times.

Star midfielder Jude Bellingham, who has quickly become a leader within the team despite his young age, also defended Mbappé. "He’s an incredible player, but the pressure he’s under because of how talented he is, is immense," Bellingham explained. "The missed penalty isn’t why we lost. As a team, we weren’t good enough. Mbappé can hold his head high. I’m sure he will shine in many important moments for this club." Bellingham’s remarks not only shift the focus away from Mbappé but also acknowledge the collective shortcomings of the team during the match.

Real Madrid’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti weighed in, expressing his unwavering belief in Mbappé’s abilities and addressing the broader team dynamics. "Like everyone else, he fought for the team," Ancelotti said. "Yes, it’s a tough moment for him, but he has everyone’s support. Missing a penalty in a match like this is difficult, and he’s disappointed, but he needs to look forward." Ancelotti’s comments reflect his understanding of the pressures associated with representing Real Madrid and his commitment to nurturing the mental and physical well-being of his players.

The defeat to Liverpool, widely regarded as one of Europe’s top-performing teams this season, was a sobering moment for Real Madrid. Both Bellingham and Ancelotti praised the opponents for their preparation and execution. "Honestly, they were more prepared than we were," Bellingham admitted. "It’s a tough result against the best-performing team in Europe. There’s no shame in losing here, but we’re disappointed with how we performed." His comments underline the respect Real Madrid has for Liverpool while acknowledging the need for introspection and improvement.

Ancelotti, reflecting on the match, offered a more optimistic outlook for the future. "We’ll become what we want to be again," he stated. "This is the hardest stadium in Europe to play in because they’re in great form. The situation hasn’t changed much even if we had won today, it would still have been tough to make the top eight. We need to qualify, and we will, just as we’ve done in previous years."

As Real Madrid navigates this challenging period, the focus on Mbappé remains intense. His teammates’ and coach’s vocal support will be crucial in helping him regain confidence and rediscover the form that made him one of the most coveted players in world football. For now, the club must address its broader challenges while working to integrate Mbappé into a system that allows him to thrive. While his start at Real Madrid may not have been as explosive as anticipated, there is a shared belief within the club that Mbappé’s best is yet to come, and when it does, it could redefine the trajectory of both the player and the team.