Former Real Madrid midfielder Guti has expressed his views on Kylian Mbappe's ongoing lean patch and believes the Frenchman lacks confidence.
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Guti feels Mbappe is low on confidenceFrench forward has failed to impress this seasonMissed a crucial penalty against LiverpoolFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Legendary Real Madrid midfielder Guti feels Kylian Mbappe looks a pale version of his former self in the wake of his most recent outing for Los Blancos, which came in the Champions League at Anfield against Liverpool earlier this week. Madrid lost the game 2-0, with Mbappe once again failing to stamp his authority on the game.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Mbappe has had an underwhelming start to his Real Madrid career, finding the back of the net just nine times in 18 games across all competitions, out of which four came from the penalty spot. His poor form continued during the visit at Anfield, in which Mbappe failed to convert from the spot in the second half with the score at 1-0 in the Reds' favour.
In the absence of Vinicius Jr., who was out due to a hamstring injury, Mbappe had his preferred left flank all to himself and seemingly had the perfect opportunity to turn the corner. However, according to Guti, Mbappe felt the pressure, but believes that he will improve.
WHAT GUTI SAID
"I think Mbappe has not been up to par, obviously. That's the reality," Guti said on El Chiringuito (h/t Mundo Deportivo). "We would all like to know what is happening to Mbappe. He looks lacking in confidence, shy. Moments before taking the penalty he looked scared. In that sense he is certainly not happy with his performance and wants something more.
"To that you add the fact that Real Madrid fans were eagerly awaiting him and that he has left his PSG bubble a little bit, where he had everything under control.
"Mbappe has now joined another team where he will surely have to compete with great players to be the best, and all that costs. And the Real Madrid shirt costs, and that is normal. It is difficult to think that a player can adapt so quickly and so soon to a club like Real Madrid, where it is very difficult to play.
"Taking him off would be the worst remedy, but he does have to be protected. And that's why he's at the best club. Florentino Perez, the club and [Carlo] Ancelotti are going to protect him because we all believe in him. I believe in him. The easy thing is to criticise and say that he's not worth it, but Mbappe is one of the best players in the world."
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR KYLIAN MBAPPE?
Mbappe was one of the three Madrid players along with Jude Bellingham and Brahim Diaz who underwent tests in Madrid on Thursday. However, journalist Edu Aguirre has confirmed that the trio have not suffered any injuries. Mbappe should be fit to start against local opponents Getafe on Sunday, December 1.