Mbappe discusses form turnaround ahead of Real Madrid vs Salzburg – ‘Did not come to play badly’ | OneFootball

As Real Marid get set to take on RB Salzburg in a crucial UEFA Champions League clash tomorrow at the Santiago Bernabeu, superstar forward Kylian Mbappe attended the pre-match press conference alongside Carlo Ancelotti.

The French superstar, after a slow start to life as a Madridista, has come into his own in recent weeks, showcasing signs of his best form.

Discussing his good form and high confidence levels in recent weeks, the 26-year-old explained:

“It has been a month and a half of good moments. I try to help the team in every way I can. I have total confidence in myself, in my teammates, and in the Madrid supporters for tomorrow.”

Mbappe, as well as Real Madrid, have attracted their fair share of criticism this season due to their up-and-down form. Responding to the criticism and how he deals with, the forward stated:

“I am very calm. When you are a player like me, with all the expectations people had of me, it is normal for them to speak badly. But for me, it is not personal.

“When you play well, people speak well of you; when you don’t, they speak badly. I can change the situation, and I have changed it, and I am happy to help my teammates.”

Mbappe has gone on record how he felt like he had hit rock bottom after the game against Athletic Club at San Mames. Further explaining his statements, the forward noted:

“I am a player who always wants to do more for the team. When you perform badly, it impacts you. I knew that this moment could happen.

“In the end, it was a good moment, because after the match, my mentality changed. I can show that I have quality and that I am a player for Real Madrid.”

In good form. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

The former PSG megastar also spoke about the shift in his mindset leading to his good form in recent weeks saying:

“I think it is more mental – thinking that now I have to do more. I was physically fine and with the group, but I knew I had to do more.

“I said that now was the time to change the situation. I did not come to Madrid to play badly. Now we must keep going; at Madrid, we always have to play well.”

Mbappe also reflected on his dream of playing for Real Madrid, saying: “It is always a dream to wear this shirt. I have been living a dream since day one.

“The reason I did not come earlier was not the club’s fault, nor the fault of the Madrid supporters, it was mine. I have won two titles, and I am enjoying my time here. I have also learned about Spanish culture.”

When asked about what it means to play for Real Madrid and the pressure that comes with it, he stated:

“I am the type of player who needs this pressure and needs to do more. Against Celta, people booed us a little, but that is normal.

“If you don’t win a match, it is normal for the people to boo. Our role is to change the boos. On Sunday, we played well, we have the personality to change and play well.”

Mbappe made it clear that he did not mind the boos and whistles from the fans, saying: “We have no problem with the people who boo. But we need everyone to be united. I understand the whistling, no problem, but let’s not lose our unity.

“It’s that simple. We need everyone to write a new page in history.”

Clicking. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Addressing whether he had a mental block which led to his slow start, he explained: “I thought a lot about how to do things. Whether to go into space, whether to go into Vini’s area, or Rodrygo’s area… when you think too much, you do not know your game well.”

On the criticism he received due to his absence from the French national team during the last couple of international breaks, he remarked:

“Nothing is happening with the national team. France is like that and I can’t change what happens there. I want to go back in March; my love for the national team hasn’t changed. But for now, I’m only thinking about Madrid. About playing my best football.”

Mbappe also expressed his belief that he had room for improvement, saying: “My goal is to have the best game with Madrid in every match. I feel that I can do better, I have it in my legs.”

On whether he is a shy player, the French international replied: “I will never become a shy player. When a player like me arrives at Madrid, they must come with humility. It is not shyness, I cannot come here and demand.

“I respect the game. With every passing moment, I have more importance in the team. If I can score 40, great; if I can score more, even better.”

The forward also reflected on the 2-5 hammering that Real Madrid received at the hands of Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, saying:

“It was very sad. We lost a final against a great rival. On the plane, we were very sad. There are many titles left to win. We had a Copa match, and it was very important to win.

“The Celta match was not easy to win. We were aware that it was a very bad match for us. But in football, you must change your mentality quickly, and that is what we have done. We hope to continue tomorrow.”

Source: AS