x

Mbappé: “I Hit Rock Bottom” After Penalty Miss, Reflects on Current Form

By Abigail Philip David

Kylian Mbappé has opened up about his recent struggles at Real Madrid, admitting that a missed penalty against Athletic Club was a defining moment in his adjustment to life at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The French forward, who joined Los Blancos during the summer after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired, has faced significant challenges adapting to his new role under coach Carlo Ancelotti.

On December 4, Mbappé’s penalty was saved by Athletic Club goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala, marking his second crucial miss in just a week after a similar failure against Liverpool in the Champions League. The consecutive misses drew widespread criticism, intensifying scrutiny on the 26-year-old’s form.

Reflecting on those moments after scoring in Real Madrid’s 4-2 victory over Sevilla on Sunday, Mbappé told Real Madrid TV (via ESPN):
“I can do a lot more. I know that I have a lot more in my legs. In the last few games, I’ve played better. The game in Bilbao was good for me. I hit rock bottom; I missed a penalty. That was the moment I realized I needed to give my all for this shirt and play with more personality.”

Despite the early struggles, Mbappé’s recent performances suggest he is regaining his confidence. The forward has now scored in four consecutive matches, bringing his season tally to 13 goals and three assists in 23 appearances across all competitions.

Mbappé credited his resurgence to better understanding his teammates, saying:
“I think we’ve gotten to know each other better. I came into the team, and that changes a lot of things. But now, as [Carlo Ancelotti] has said, my adaptation is complete, and I feel good. We can see on the pitch that I understand my teammates better, and the whole team is playing better.”

While Mbappé continues to adapt to his new centre-forward role, he operates in the shadow of Vinícius Júnior, who has excelled in Mbappé’s favored left-wing position. Nonetheless, the French star’s recent performances show he is becoming a vital part of Real Madrid’s setup as the team competes for success on multiple fronts this season.

Hot this week

Awakan Now NTDA DG, Pledges Tourism of Renewed Hope Agenda

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuThe new Director-General of the...

FUL VC Applauds Prof. Olu Obafemi for Using Literature as a Tool for Social Reform

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaThe Vice Chancellor of the Federal...

FG Committed to Collaborating with Genuine Private Sector for a Prosperous Nation

…as SGF receives award for promoting climate change initiativeBy...

Federal University Lokoja to Graduate 5,051 Students at 9th Convocation Ceremony

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaThe Federal University Lokoja (FUL) will...

You’ll Remain a social media president- Wike taunts Peter Obi

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuThe FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike...

Dualization of Apo, Wasa Junction Is Tinubu’s Fulfilled Promise — Wike

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuThe FCT Minister Barr. Nysome Wike...

Minister Wike and the zone 6 neighbourhood park conversion saga in Abuja (II)

By Tpl. Umar Shuaibu.Deriving its power from the FCT...

NAF Seeks Stronger Partnership with Journalists

The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made this known during an interactive session with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council led by the Chairman, Ms. Grace Ike

MRA Condemns INEC’s N1.5bn Fee for Voters Register Under FOI Act

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)...

Kano PCC Vows Free Justice for All, Extends Services to Remote Communities

By Jabiru HassanThe Federal Commissioner of the Public Complaints...

Tinubu Allies Target Tambuwal Over Alleged Political Betrayals

Here’s a clean, newsroom-ready version of your draft. I’ve...

Ex-ACF Scribe Warns FG Against Bowing to Pressure Over Nnamdi Kanu

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaFormer Secretary-General of the Arewa Consultative...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img