Kylian Mbappé Defends His Defensive Effort Ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League Match
Kylian Mbappé Addresses Criticism Before Real Madrid's Champions League Clash
Before Real Madrid's Champions League opener against Inter Milan, Kylian Mbappé responded to criticism regarding his defensive contributions. The French forward acknowledged the need for improvement when the team is out of possession but rejected the notion that he and Vinícius Júnior should bear sole responsibility.
Mbappé Responds to Comparisons with Dembélé and Raphinha
During the pre-match press conference, Mbappé was questioned about Real Madrid's pressing strategy, with comparisons drawn between him, Vinícius, and forwards like Ousmane Dembélé and Raphinha, who have been praised for their defensive work.
Mbappé challenged this comparison, highlighting the different roles and strengths each player has. He emphasized that defensive duties must be shared by the entire squad.
"Only me and Vini?" Mbappé asked rhetorically. "I can play the fool and tell you that I score more goals than the two you mentioned, and that they have to score more goals to be like me. Everyone is different."
Accepting Room for Improvement
The forward admitted that both he and the team need to improve defensively. "Of course we have to improve, we have to improve," he said. "And I think it's completely natural how each player is."
He added that he prefers not to be judged by comparisons with other attackers since his style involves contributions others might not provide. "I want to do things intelligently and say that, of course, I have to improve and all that. But I don't like to compare because I think I do many things that others don't."
Defensive Responsibility as a Collective Task
Mbappé expanded on the topic beyond the attacking line, stating every Real Madrid player must step up defensively. "But I agree that, of course, I and all the Real Madrid players have to improve in this aspect to help the defense and so that we can get fewer chances and fewer goals," he explained.
This perspective places the team's defensive progress as a collective goal, rather than focusing only on forwards.
Improving Through Better Ball Control
He also pointed out that controlling possession more effectively would reduce pressure on the defense and create more scoring opportunities. "But I also think that we need to manage things better with the ball to create more scoring opportunities," Mbappé said.
Living Up to High Expectations
Describing constant development as part of competing at the highest level, Mbappé stated, "That's the life of a top-level team that wants to be the best in the world. There are many things you have to improve every day, and that's just how it is."
Upcoming Champions League Match
Real Madrid will face Inter Milan in their opening match of the Champions League. Mbappé remains a key attacking figure for the Spanish side, with his defensive efforts still under discussion. His remarks clarify that while he accepts the need to improve, defending is a shared responsibility across the whole team.
