Jude Bellingham has come to Kylian Mbappe’s defense after the French striker endured a frustrating evening at Anfield, where Liverpool triumphed with a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid.
Mbappé, usually impressive on the pitch, had a night to forget, missing a crucial penalty when the score was still 1-0. Liverpool’s defense, led by Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konaté, was able to neutralize its presence well throughout the match.
With Vinicius Junior on the sidelines due to injury, expectations were high for Mbappé to shine in his favored position of left winger. However, he struggled to be decisive, as Liverpool secured victory thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo.
Former Real Madrid and Liverpool player Steve McManaman was quick to criticize Mbappé, saying he failed when his team needed him most amid an injury crisis.
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“They needed him tonight,” McManaman said on TNT Sport. “Without Vinicius and other key players, Kylian was expected to take responsibility, but he disappointed. It was his moment. »
He added: “The Madrid press will be merciless tomorrow. Kylian just didn’t deliver when it counted. The team is struggling, and with the absence of stars, it only amplifies the spotlight on him. Tonight was his chance to shine, but he didn’t. »
Despite the strong criticism, Mbappé found support from his teammates. Bellingham stressed that the missed penalty was not solely responsible for their defeat, although it was a key moment in the match.
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“It’s a significant moment in the game, but things like this happen,” Bellingham told BT Sport. “Kylian is an exceptional player, but the burden he carries because of his talent is immense. The penalty is not the reason for our defeat. Collectively, we have failed in our task. Kylian can hold his head high; I am confident that he will create many memorable moments for our club in the future. »
Bellingham also expressed disappointment with the team’s overall performance, acknowledging Liverpool’s dominance. “From the start, they took control. We failed to take advantage of our opportunities. They wanted it more than us, which is discouraging. This result is bitter against one of the best in Europe, but it is what it is,” he reflected.
Luka Modric also came to Mbappé’s defense during an interview with Movistar, insisting the striker is “training well and brimming with confidence” and assuring fans the star’s fortunes would soon change.
“Sometimes it just doesn’t work, like with the penalty today,” Modric noted. “We have confidence in Kylian’s abilities, and I am sure he will live up to expectations very soon. »
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