Despite his remarkable past achievements, such as leading France to a World Cup victory at a young age, there is a growing concern that the anticipated synergy between one of soccer's most promising stars and the most successful club in history has yet to manifest on the field.
Real Madrid has struggled recently, suffering defeats in three of their last five matches. They faced a heavy 4-0 loss at home to Barcelona, a 3-1 defeat against AC Milan, and were outperformed by Liverpool with a 2-0 scoreline, following victories over lesser Spanish teams like Osasuna and Leganes.
The extent of their struggles is particularly evident in the Champions League, a tournament Madrid won for a record 15th time last season. Currently, they find themselves in 24th place this season, with only two wins and three losses, including a setback against Lille.
Injuries have certainly impacted the team, and the absence of retired midfielder Toni Kroos is felt. However, Mbappé's difficulties are a significant factor, as he strives to fulfill the expectations of being a leading figure in the post-Messi and Ronaldo era.
During the current season, the player has scored nine goals, with only one goal scored in the Champions League. Notably, he did not score in crucial matches against Barcelona, Milan, and Liverpool. Additionally, his missed penalty against Liverpool and disappointing performance against Barcelona, where he was caught offside eight times, highlight the challenges he faces in adapting to Spanish football.
Following the defeat at Anfield, the player chose not to comment, despite playing in his preferred left-wing position, which was available due to Vinícius Júnior's injury. Consequently, his coach and teammates were left to address the ongoing issues impacting the team's performance.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged that his players' confidence might be fluctuating. Luka Modric, who understands the high expectations of a Real Madrid player, remarked that Mbappé is experiencing a challenging adjustment to a club that proudly claims to be the greatest of all time.
“Starting at Madrid is never straightforward; the initial seasons can be quite demanding,” Modric stated. “However, he possesses significant experience. He is a star and has been among the top players in the world for several years.”
Mbappé and Madrid have a promising chance to return to winning ways when they face Getafe in La Liga on Sunday.
“He has our support, and he knows how to navigate this situation: by maintaining his confidence and putting in the effort every day,” Modric added. “I am confident that he will find a way to overcome this and show why he is here.” AP