Real Madrid News
Real Madrid icon explains the reason behind €180 million star’s struggles – ‘The problem is…’
In a recent interview with El Chiringuito TV, former Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema shared his thoughts on Kylian Mbappe’s current challenges at Real Madrid.
The Al Ittihad forward spoke about how Mbappe, his fellow Frenchman, should approach his role in Madrid and gave insight into the expectations that come with playing for such a high-profile club.
Why is Mbappe struggling?
Benzema believes that Mbappe’s struggle stems from playing in the wrong position. According to him, Mbappe is naturally suited to playing on the left wing rather than as a central striker.
When Mbappe has played as the main centre-forward for France, he hasn’t looked as effective or comfortable, Benzema notes, suggesting it’s not where Mbappe can show his best.
“The problem for me is that Mbappe is not a centre forward. Every time he plays for France as a ‘9’ he is not good, it is not his position,” he began saying.
However, at Real Madrid, the left-wing role is already occupied by Vinicius Jr., who is one of the top players in that position. Benzema points out that moving Vinicius to the right or to a central role wouldn’t work, as Vinicius shines when positioned on the left side of the attack.
“The problem is that on the left there is another player who is at the same level as him… you can’t put Vini on the right or as a centre forward, where he makes a difference is on the left. Let’s see how Ancelotti does that.”
Benzema’s advice
Benzema’s advice to Mbappe is straightforward: adapt to the ‘9’ role and fully embrace it. He emphasises that Real Madrid is not Paris Saint-Germain, where there might be more flexibility and less intense pressure.
Real Madrid expect results constantly, and the pressure is higher, which means that Mbappe has to be ready to perform at his best every single match.
“Mbappe is not a ‘9’. There is a lot of pressure at Real Madrid, this is not PSG. A piece of advice? He shouldn’t give up.”
What should Carlo Ancelotti do?
In addressing Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, Benzema expressed his belief that Ancelotti is unlikely to displace Vinicius from his left-wing position, as he is currently thriving there.
“I don’t think Ancelotti is going to move Vinicius, he’s the best in the world right now in that position.”
This leaves Mbappe in a situation where he must take on the responsibilities of a centre-forward. Benzema stresses that Mbappe needs to accept this and adapt his game to fit the demands of the ‘9’ role, rather than looking for opportunities on the left.
“Mbappe has to get it into his head that he has to be a ‘9’ and forget about the left. He’s been very good on the left and now he has to be good somewhere else.”
Pressure at Real Madrid
Benzema also shared his personal experience to highlight the level of pressure Mbappe will face. He explained that there is no room for error at Real Madrid; fans expect constant results.
“My situation in my first year and Kylian’s is different. I was 21 and he is 25, it’s not the same. He knows that there is a lot of pressure at Real Madrid,” he noted.
Even a brief goal drought could lead to harsh criticism. While Benzema faced similar pressure when he first joined the club, he was younger than Mbappe is now.
“If you don’t score a goal in two or three games, they’ll kill you. He has to learn to live with that. He has to put up with that pressure.”
He advises Mbappe to adjust quickly and learn to thrive under the intense spotlight, as Real Madrid fans have high expectations, and Mbappe’s role in the squad requires him to deliver consistently.
“Every game is new and you have to score goals, they brought him for that and he has the level for it,” he concluded.
*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi talks debut, first goal, training, Bernabeu after official presentation: ‘I’ll give everything I have for this club’
It has been a roller-coaster of a weekend for Carlos Espi at Real Madrid, for both days of the weekend have been special in their own way.
Last night, the new signing scored on debut with the team and ensured that Los Blancos took home all three points against Espanyol.
Under 24 hours later, the striker was officially presented as a new Real Madrid player and faced the traditional photo shoot, jersey reveal and media interaction.
Espi’s official interview
The new Real Madrid striker faced the club’s media after his official presentation as a player of the club and spoke in depth about his transfer and debut.
He was first asked what he felt about wearing the Real Madrid colours and what it meant to him.
“It’s a great honour and pride for me. I’m so happy for my family and for myself, and I’ll give everything I have for this club,” he began.
“It was amazing to see all 15 European Champions League trophies. I’m so happy to be here,” he added, in awe of the club’s legacy.
Espi then opened up on the day of his transfer and how matters accelerated in just a couple of hours.
“Those were unbelievable days. I didn’t sleep much, because I woke up extremely excited to head to my presentation ceremony.”
“It was wonderful to see everyone happy for me and to celebrate this moment with me. I felt immense happiness and pride.”
Moving on, the striker was asked what stood out about Real Madrid to him and what made it a special place to be as a player, to which he said,
“It’s amazing. Here, they take care of every detail. On the football level, Real Madrid is the best in the world.”
“The facilities are fantastic, and everything related to the club is incredible, from the facilities to the journey to Santiago Bernabéu. When I went to the stadium, the experience was truly wonderful. I can say that almost everything has amazed me,” he added.
Espi scored Real Madrid’s winning goal in extra-time on his official debut, and he even relived the night speaking to the media.
“When we got back home, I found a ton of messages, and I was in a state of euphoria and happiness.”
“I think I barely slept at all, especially since I woke up the next day super excited and with a huge urge to come here. In fact, I hardly slept.”
Remembering his goal on the night and how it felt to score such an important goal in his first official game, the youngster said,
“It was a very beautiful moment. We all had a strong desire and great enthusiasm, and I felt indescribable happiness when I saw all the players coming to the corner to celebrate with me after the goal.”
“It was unbelievable to see everyone by my side and happy for me. It’s a great pride that Real Madrid players are happy in this way for me.”
Finally, the new signing was asked to send a message to fans across the globe, to which he said,
“Hello, Madridistas, I’m thrilled to be here. On the occasion of my presentation with Real Madrid, my debut, my goal, and of course, to deliver the win for the team.”
“I hope to see you all on Wednesday against Real Sociedad. A warm hug to you all, and Hala Madrid!”
Source: Real Madrid official website
