Kylian Mbappé Responds to Defensive Criticism Ahead of Champions League Clash

Kylian Mbappé pushed back against critiques of his defensive efforts ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League opener against Inter Milan. Although the forward admitted that both he and the team need to improve their play without possession, he rejected the idea that he and Vinícius Júnior should be held solely responsible for defensive shortcomings.

Pressing and Comparison with Dembélé and Raphinha

During a pre-match press conference, questions arose about Real Madrid's pressing tactics. The interviewer compared Mbappé and Vinícius to forwards like Ousmane Dembélé and Raphinha, who are often praised for their defensive work when their teams lose the ball.

Mbappé responded quickly, challenging the comparison by emphasizing that each player has unique roles and strengths. He also insisted that defensive effort is a collective responsibility across the entire team.

Mbappé Challenges Focus on Him and Vinícius

He asked why the spotlight was only on him and Vinícius when discussing defensive issues.

• Mbappé: "Only me and Vini?"

He made light of the comparison by highlighting his scoring record.

• Mbappé: "I can play the fool and tell you that I score more goals than the two you mentioned, and they have to score more goals to be like me. Everyone is different."

Acceptance of Need for Improvement

Mbappé acknowledged the need for better defensive work but stressed that constant improvement is part of playing at Real Madrid.

• Mbappé: "Of course we have to improve, we have to improve. And I think it’s completely natural how each player is."

He prefers not to measure himself strictly by comparing every part of his game to other forwards.

• Mbappé: "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."

Collective Defensive Responsibility

The France international expanded the conversation beyond attack, saying every player must contribute defensively.

• Mbappé: "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."

This perspective placed the team's defensive improvements as a shared task rather than one for just the forwards.

Improving Through Possession Control

Mbappé suggested that maintaining better control of the ball could strengthen Real Madrid's defense by reducing pressure and generating more scoring chances.

• Mbappé: "But I also think that we need to manage things better with the ball to create more scoring opportunities."

Constant Growth Expected at Top Clubs

He described ongoing development as standard for a club aiming to be world-leading.

• Mbappé: "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 Champions League game. Mbappé remains a vital attacking figure while discussions about his defensive contributions continue. His remarks show that he recognizes the need to improve but sees defensive duties as something the whole team must share.