Kylian Mbappe's Struggles at Real Madrid: The Dossier They Ignored

Contents

Mbappe’s Arrival: A Rocky Start

Kylian Mbappe’s much-anticipated move to Real Madrid has not gone according to plan. The French forward, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, has faced significant challenges on the pitch, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. With only one goal in his last five matches and a missed penalty against Liverpool, the pressure is mounting on the 25-year-old to rediscover his form.

Fan Frustration: A Shirt Burning Incident

The frustrations of Real Madrid supporters reached a boiling point following the team’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League. In a rather dramatic display of discontent, one fan filmed themselves burning an Mbappe shirt, symbolising the growing disillusionment with the player’s performances. Such actions highlight the expectations that come with wearing the famous white shirt, particularly for a player of Mbappe’s stature.

Warning Signs Ignored: The Dossier’s Revelations

According to reports from Relevo, Real Madrid allegedly overlooked a dossier that indicated Mbappe’s physical condition was on the decline prior to his signing. The documents contained crucial statistics regarding his performance metrics, including average distance covered, high-intensity runs, and sustained sprint speed. These figures suggested a downward trend since he helped lead France to victory in the 2018 World Cup.

Performance Metrics: The Numbers Don’t Lie

The statistics paint a concerning picture for Mbappe’s current form. On average, he has been running less than nine kilometres per Champions League match, while his teammates are clocking in over 10 kilometres. This discrepancy raises questions about his fitness and commitment on the field. So far this season, he has managed nine goals and two assists in 18 appearances, a tally that many expected to be higher given his pedigree.

Playing Out of Position: A Tactical Challenge

Compounding Mbappe’s struggles is his positioning on the pitch. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has opted to play him centrally, a move that has not paid off as Vinicius Junior occupies the left flank. This tactical shift may be affecting Mbappe’s ability to perform at his best, as he is used to operating in a more familiar role where he can exploit his speed and agility.

Criticism and International Absence

Mbappe’s form has not only drawn ire from fans but has also led to his exclusion from the France squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Israel and Italy. Such a decision serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in professional football, where players are often judged not just on talent but on their current form and contributions to the team.

Ancelotti’s Support: A Call for Improvement

In the wake of the Liverpool defeat, Ancelotti has come to Mbappe’s defence, stating that the forward’s struggles mirror those of the entire squad. The manager emphasised the need for the team to rediscover their best performances collectively. He acknowledged that Mbappe is still acclimatising to his new environment, having already scored eight goals and provided crucial assists during his time with the club.

Looking Ahead: Real Madrid’s Challenges

As Real Madrid currently sits second in LaLiga, their Champions League campaign is faltering, with the team languishing in 24th place. With crucial fixtures against Atalanta, RB Salzburg, and Brest on the horizon, the pressure is on for both Mbappe and the team to turn things around. The stakes are high, and the spotlight remains firmly on the French star as he seeks to regain his form and help his new club achieve its ambitions.