Madrid turn to Zidane for Mbappe’s revival as Platini diagnoses his challenges
Real Madrid has a number of issues to address to get their season back on track, but the lack of contribution from Kylian Mbappe is increasingly becoming a problem for Los Blancos.
The Frenchman has just two goals since September, and couldn’t hit the mark from the penalty spot in their crucial Champions League clash with Liverpool.
The European champions have been preaching calm so far with Mbappe, briefing that his form, while concerning, is not their biggest problem. ‘Sooner or later, he’ll come good’, has been the message conveyed through the local press. Many had reasoned that he was playing out of position through the middle, but even on the left in his last two games, Mbappe has looked a long way from his best.
According to a report from Sport, Real Madrid has turned to former player and manager Zinedine Zidane for help to kickstart his career in the Spanish capital. Zidane has a close relationship with Mbappe, as his idol and the first one to recommend him to Real Madrid, meaning any message from ‘Zizou’ carries more weight. The great midfielder also struggled in his first season at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Los Blancos have asked him to speak with Mbappe and guide him in the right direction.
And former UEFA president Michel Platini, one of the most iconic figures in French football history. Speaking during an event, Platini shared his perspective on Mbappe’s challenging period.
Platini highlighted that Mbappe appears to lack direction on the pitch, suggesting a sense of disconnection in his gameplay.
“I see him lost on the pitch,” he began saying as quoted by SPORT.
However, the French legend expressed unwavering confidence in Mbappe’s ability to overcome this phase. According to Platini, it is through enduring and overcoming such challenges that great players cement their legacy.
“A great champion must be reborn from the ashes, systematically. This is what will make Kylian a great champion.”
He remains optimistic that this is merely a temporary slump for the 25-year-old forward and that both Mbappe and French football will emerge stronger from this period.
“It will only be a small bump, for French football and for him,” he added.
Statistically, Mbappe’s numbers this season underline his struggles. In 18 appearances for Real Madrid, he has scored nine goals, with three coming from penalties, and provided just two assists.
Worryingly, he has managed to find the back of the net only twice in his last 11 matches. For a player of his calibre, these figures are far below expectations, raising concerns about his confidence and effectiveness in front of goal.
