Real Madrid – Mbappé: “In Bilbao, I hit rock bottom”

Axel Allag, Media365, published on Monday December 23, 2024 at 9:03 a.m.

The year 2024 ended with a victory and a new goal for Kylian Mbappé, with Real Madrid against Sevilla FC (4-2), but that did not prevent strong self-criticism from number 9.

Carlo Ancelotti, who has always defended Kylian Mbappé, has been convinced in recent weeks about the level of his summer recruit who is doing much better and has a string of goals as well as more consistent performances, including the last at the Santiago-Bernabeu against Sevilla FC (scorer and decisive passer). At the microphone of Real Madrid TV, Mbappé, who equaled Vinicius as co-top scorer for the Merengue club this season with 14 goals in all competitions, was obviously satisfied. “From the start we played very well, we scored goals collectively, we always played in Sevilla's half. We always went forward. I think the fans were delighted with the Sevilla match. today (Sunday, editor’s note). We are too.”

“I know that I still have a lot of things in my legs,” says Mbappé

A satisfaction which seemed really complicated to consider a few weeks back, and in particular on December 4 in Bilbao (2-1 loss), with a poor collective performance from Real Madrid and also from Mbappé, author of another missed penalty a week later the one at Anfield against Liverpool (2-0 defeat). The San Mamés fiasco, probably, was beneficial. “Bilbao did me good because I hit rock bottom, missing this penalty,” said Mbappé, who was then able to bounce back. “Then I understood that I had to give my best for this jersey and play with personality.”

A personality who has asserted himself in front of goal as evidenced by the record of one goal scored in the last four matches played by Mbappé (Girona, Atalanta Bergamo, Pachuca and therefore Sevilla FC). “I feel very good in the team and you can see on the pitch that I play better with the others and that the whole team plays better,” noted Mbappé who does not want to stop there. “I can do a lot more. I know I still have a lot in my legs. But like I said, I have improved in the last few matches.” For 2025, beyond a logical happiness wished for Real fans and in his personal life, he underlined his still intact hunger for trophies. “A lot of titles, a lot of matches like today and enjoying playing for Real Madrid.”