Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe spoke to the media ahead of their match against Inter at the Bernabeu. He was asked about whether he feels he and Vinicius Jr should take inspiration from PSG and defend despite being attackers, to which he said: “Just me and Vinicius? Of course we have to improve. But that’s perfectly natural. I can say that I score more goals than the PSG players, and they should be scoring more. But I have to be smart and admit that I need to improve, even though I do things the others
(PSG players) don’t. But it’s a never-ending debate. We all need to improve in this area. And with the ball too.”
Mbappe on the match tomorrow
“Very happy to be back playing in the Champions League. We always approach this competition with motivation and enthusiasm. We’re in good shape. We’re going to play a very demanding match, but this is the Champions League and it’s a pleasure.”
Mbappe on his compatibility with Vinicius Jr
“It’s just one opinion among millions about Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world. I can’t control everything that’s said. We all have the same goal, which is to win titles. And we can’t control people’s opinions. We listen, we try to improve, and we move forward.”
Mbappe on working better with Vini and Jude Bellingham
“I’m not interested in removing players from the squad. People like it, the press does too, and that’s normal, because that’s what sells. I don’t know about you, but I’m focused on the team, on how we can improve. And win titles.”
Mbappe on the Ballon d’Or
“When you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, you’re associated with these awards. When people see me in the street, they talk about it. It’s an award that’s very positive for every player. I’ve made a lot of history this summer in the most important competition. But there’s still a long way to go. And people are free to think who the best player in the world is.”
Mbappe on not winning major trophies
‘I’m only thinking about the upcoming matches. My experience tells me this is a long road, that every day… well, you have to think about how to help the team. And that’s all for now.“
Mbappe on whether he thinks he is the best in the world
“I always do, but it’s a very personal thing. Everyone has their own opinion. Some will think yes, others no. It’s a debate… and not everyone has to think like me. This year might be a good one to win the Ballon d’Or, but it’s voted on by journalists, and they’ll be the ones to choose.”
Mbappe on whether he would score less if it meant winning trophies
“And I buy fewer, too. Even 30. I’m not going to say it’s a debate for people who don’t play football, but it is an absurd one. If I score 40 and we’re fighting for the league, Champions League, cup… should I stop scoring goals because if I score too many… won’t we win? Of course I want to win titles, but it’s not a question of choosing. You have to do both. Score goals and win trophies.”
Mbappe on whether the loss vs Spain was the hardest of his career
“It was difficult. The most… I don’t know. Because I’ve lost a World Cup final and a Champions League final. But! I think it was a very beautiful competition for the country, because of the image we projected. We can’t always win the World Cup, because it’s not always possible. But we’re always hungry. The day you lose that hunger is the day you’re out.”
Mbappe on being a leader at Real Madrid
“I have two different contexts: the national team and Real Madrid. Of course, in each context I have to take a step forward, but with the national team I’m the captain, and here I’m not. But I want to improve as a player. And not just for France or Real Madrid, but because I want to have a better understanding of the game at any given moment. I’ve had many different coaches, and that has helped me a lot to see how we can adapt to each situation. Because I always say that there are many games in one game. This whole aspect, this management, gives you the maximum amount of information.”
Mbappe on what he thinks about PSG winning after he left
“Well, I think it’s just another analysis. In the end, talking about myself sells a lot, and I accept that. It’s fine. But it’s just another analysis.”
