Real Madrid: Nicolas Anelka’s big message of support for Kylian Mbappé

Since the start of the season, Kylian Mbappé has been closely scrutinized with his arrival at Real Madrid. And even if the statistical record of the 2018 world champion is more than honorable with 9 goals in 18 matches, the great difficulties displayed by the player in the game and off the field have created a hostile climate around the latter. Supported by his teammates and by Carlo Ancelotti who continues to start him permanently, the 25-year-old French striker is struggling and each of his matches is mocked on the canvas. A sad descent into hell which does not necessarily bode well for the future. However, Nicolas Anelka does not see it that way. Author of a complicated 1999-2000 season with the Merengues, the former Blues striker is well placed to understand the difficulties of establishing himself in one of the biggest clubs in the world. Asked by RMC about Kylian Mbappé’s form this season, the native of Chesnay confirmed that he believed in the return to the forefront of the captain of the France team:

“Patience is required. It’s not easy for him because it’s his first experience abroad. He arrives at a club which has won everything. They don’t necessarily need him this year. In his position, there is Vinicius who has been flying through the championship and the Champions League for two seasons. It’s not easy to find a new position. I think they will be patient because he has to adapt to a new position. Everyone thinks that as a winger, since it’s an attacking position, it’s easy to become a 9. It’s a completely different position. He’s only been playing 9 for a year. The winger’s game is about speed and in spaces, when you play 9, your back is constantly to the goal with two guys on you. We ask him by changing clubs, countries, stadiums, teammates… we ask him to become a 9 in three or four months. It’s not possible. You have to wait. You are not respecting the position of 9. Today he is learning the position. He has the qualities to succeed, but these qualities require patience. Winger then 9, not many made the transfer. There is a lot of pressure on him. He is not well psychologically. He must continue to work and be patient. They made an investment with him. When I see Mbappé, I see myself 25 years ago. I had just arrived, Real had won the Champions League two years before. The president pushed for me to come. I didn’t really have a place (on the field). I arrived with a locker room that didn’t want me to come. A lot happened during the season. I made the decision to leave (after a year). Kylian has a different character, he can agree to wait.»