Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe continued his struggle in the Spanish capital on Wednesday as they lost 2-1 to Athletic Bilbao.
Mbappe missed a crucial penalty during the match but summoned courage to speak with the press after the game. The French star did not mince words and shared some thoughts on his current situation.
“It was a bad result. I made a big mistake in a match where every detail counts. I take full responsibility. It is a difficult moment, but it is the moment to change this situation and prove who I am as a player,” he said.
Mbappe has struggled for consistency since arriving at Real Madrid on a free transfer from PSG. Though he has continued to receive support from his teammates, the French star looks lost.
Kylian Mbappe misses a penalty during the LaLiga match between Athletic Club and Real Madrid (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Despite being one of the best forwards in football history, Mbappe has missed some crucial scoring opportunities for Real Madrid while looking very uncomfortable and unsettled on the field.
Mbappe failed to find the back of the net from 12 yards during a Champions League clash with Liverpool, he then fluffed his lines again when facing Athletic Club in La Liga.
Real will continue to give Mbappe their full backing, with head coach Ancelotti telling reporters when asked about more spot-kick woe: “I haven’t spoken to him. I shouldn’t evaluate a player’s game based on a penalty. Sometimes you score them, sometimes you don’t. Obviously he’s sad and disappointed, but we have to carry on. People make mistakes in football.”
Ancelotti added: “He isn’t at his best level, but we have to give him time to adapt. He’s scored 10 goals, he can do better, and he’s working to do better. He took the responsibility to take it, and it didn’t go well. But in football, that can happen.”
