Real Madrid News
Real Madrid goalkeeper empathises with underfire superstar – ‘Similar to what happened to me’
Kylian Mbappe managed to break his goalscoring rut for Real Madrid, as he scored in the recent 2-0 win over Getafe.
The Frenchman scored a brilliant goal to break to double Real Madrid’s lead in the first-half. It was an important goal for the attacker, who has faced immense criticism in the wake of his recent performances.
Speaking after Real Madrid’s win over Getafe, Thibaut Courtois emphasised with Mbappe, recalling the high epectations that were happened on him during his early days at Real Madrid.
Courtois on expectations at Real Madrid
“The demands of the Bernabéu and Real Madrid are not easy. You know where you are going and what awaits you, but it is not always easy,” Courtois pointed out (h/t MARCA).
The Belgian added that he had faced similar expectations when he was struggling form at Santiago Bernabeu.
“It’s similar to what happened to me. The demands of the Bernabéu and Real Madrid are not easy. You know where you’re going and what awaits you, but it’s not always easy. The more you try, the less you succeed,” he said.
The goalkepeer went on to point out how important it is to maintain patience when overcoming these sort of phases while also backing Mbappe to find his old groove.
“You have to be calm, do the easy things well, and then focus on the difficult things. Once that works, I’m sure the goals will come,” he said.
Courtois further clarified that Mbappe’s lack of form is not due to his lack of committment or willingness to perform.
“What’s happening to him is not due to a lack of professionalism or desire. It’s the same thing that happened to me at the beginning.
“It’s not about wanting less or not trying, there are simply times when things don’t work out. You need a reference match that marks the turning point, and I’m sure that will happen,” he said.
Finally, the Belgian backed Mbappe to perform in the upcoming game against Athletic Club, stating, “I think his goal came in the most difficult chance he had, and I hope that helps him gain confidence . Hopefully he scores three goals against Athletic.”
Courtois’ statement fall in line with the general feeling around the Real Madrid dressing room over Mbappe, with the team completely backing the Frenchman in these tough times.
With the international break done and dusted, Real Madrid will be back in action this weekend in La Liga, where they will be looking to catch up to league leaders FC Barcelona.
Coming up for Jose Mourinho & co., who lost their last game before the international break, will be a home game against Villarreal on Saturday.
And, leading up to the game, the Spanish capital club have received welcome news on the injury front.
Mbappe back in group training
Indeed, as per MARCA, Kylian Mbappe will be available for Real Madrid’s match against Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
Having been training individually so far this week, the France captain rejoined group training under Mourinho today, taking a concrete step forward towards making himself available for the game.
The forward looked relaxed and ready to work, putting his boots back on and joining the group as Real Madrid prepare for a demanding run of fixtures throughout October.
And, unless there is any unforeseen setback, everything suggests that Mbappe will be ready to start against the Yellow Submarine come Saturday.
Under scrutiny
The past few weeks have been nothing short of eventful for Mbappe, with his every action and movement under heavy scrutiny.
Playing for France, in Zinedine Zidane’s managerial debut, the 27-year-old superstar scored a goal before asking for a substitution due to a knee injury.
Having flown back to Madrid, he underwent tests, which confirmed the injury, although it was not as serious as was initially feared.
The forward then took week-long holiday with his partner that sparked some debate among supporters and attracted criticism from multiple quarters.
Mbappe returned to Madrid on Monday and participated in individual sessions at Valdebebas over the past couple of days. Now he has resumed normal training with his teammates.
There had been doubts over whether Mbappe would be able to face Villarreal after he picked up the injury on 25 September.
However, the recovery plan followed by the forward appears to have worked, and he is now expected to be in a fully fit condition for Saturday’s match.
