Mbappe reached 'rock bottom' after missing penalty at Bilbao

Posted : 24 December 2024

Kylian Mbappe recently reflected on his struggles during his transition to Real Madrid, citing his penalty miss at Athletic Bilbao earlier this month as a turning point. Despite being a key player for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and becoming the club's all-time top scorer, Mbappe's move to Madrid has not been smooth. The French forward has faced several challenges, including adapting to his new environment, as well as dealing with injuries such as a hamstring and thigh issue, which delayed his integration into the team.

The penalty miss at Bilbao, which came during a 2-1 loss, seemed to push Mbappe to his lowest point. However, the 25-year-old believes that moment served as a catalyst for his improvement. He admitted that the experience made him realize he needed to give more for his new club and to play with greater confidence. "I took a lot of positives from the Bilbao game. I hit rock bottom," Mbappe said, acknowledging how much he learned from the disappointment.

Since that loss, Mbappe has experienced a resurgence in form, scoring four goals in all competitions. His recent performances include an important strike in Real Madrid’s 4-2 victory over Sevilla in LaLiga. The Frenchman now boasts 10 goals in 16 league appearances, a tally that has been instrumental in helping Madrid remain in second place in the league standings, just one point behind leaders Atletico Madrid.

Mbappe is confident that he still has more to offer. "I can score a lot more, I know I have a lot more to give," he said. The forward also emphasized that he has been playing better in recent matches, which he attributes to a deeper understanding and stronger chemistry with his teammates. His improved performance is part of his growth at Real Madrid.

The French star also discussed how the transition phase has now come to an end. "I think we now know each other better. I've joined the team and that changed a lot of things. The settling-in period is over, as the coach says," Mbappe explained. He feels more at ease on the pitch and believes that his connection with the squad is improving, which has translated into better team dynamics and individual performances.

Looking ahead, Mbappe is focused on continuing his momentum with Real Madrid. The team is preparing for a crucial LaLiga match against Valencia on January 3, where the French forward will look to further solidify his place in the team and contribute to their title ambitions. As he adapts to his new environment, Mbappe’s confidence is steadily growing, and he is ready to build on his recent successes.

With the first half of the season behind him, Mbappe is eager to maintain his positive form and continue to help Real Madrid compete at the top of LaLiga. His focus remains on improving his game and making a significant impact as he settles into his new role at the Spanish giants.

Mbappe reached 'rock bottom' after missing penalty at Bilbao

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