Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has credited a significant shift in mentality for his recent return to top form at the Spanish club.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of Madrid’s Champions League clash with RB Salzburg on January 21, Mbappé discussed the challenging start to his career in Madrid after his high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the summer of 2024.
The French superstar initially struggled to find his rhythm, often showing signs of inconsistency on the field.
His early performances were marked by moments of uncertainty, culminating in missed penalties against Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao at the tail end of 2024.
During this difficult period, Mbappé candidly admitted he had “hit the bottom,” acknowledging that he was grappling with both physical issues and a lack of confidence.
However, in recent weeks, Mbappé has regained his devastating form. He has now netted eight goals in his last ten appearances across all competitions, with his newfound sharpness playing a pivotal role in Madrid’s offensive dominance.
Reflecting on his transformation, the 26-year-old revealed that the key to his resurgence was a change in mindset.
“You always have to be calm and focus on your game and what you can improve,” Mbappé said. “I knew that I could change the situation, and now the situation has changed.”
Mbappé’s mental shift involved embracing the challenge and focusing on his physical condition and his role within the team.
“It was more of a mental thing… I knew I was good physically, good with the team, the group, but I had to do more and I knew it,” he explained.
“It was the moment to say that now I had to change everything, change the situation, because I didn’t come to Madrid to play badly. Now it’s all changed, and I have to continue, because playing well for a month is good, but it’s easy.”
Despite his return to form, the French forward’s tough spell did not go unnoticed. During his dip in performances and while managing a thigh injury, Mbappé was notably left out of several France squads for Nations League fixtures in the final months of 2024.
However, Mbappé remains upbeat about his relationship with the national team and is eager to return to action for France in 2025.
“There’s no issue with the national team… I can understand the criticism (in France),” Mbappé said. “I’m excited to return in March and try to reach the Nations League semi-finals. My love for the national team has not changed.”
As Mbappé looks ahead to his upcoming international commitments, his focus remains on maintaining his momentum at club level.
The striker’s recovery from a challenging start has been a testament to his resilience and mental strength, and Real Madrid fans will be hoping his form continues as the team aims for more silverware in both domestic and European competitions.
Mbappé’s journey at Madrid continues to unfold, and his ability to overcome adversity will undoubtedly make him a key figure in the club’s future success.
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