Kylian Mbappe has reacted to the “big mistake” of missing his second penalty in the space of a week for Real Madrid.
Having failed to find the back of the net from 12 yards during a Champions League clash with Liverpool, the World Cup winner fluffed his lines again when facing Athletic Club in La Liga. Mbappe had the chance to tie things up at 1-1 in that contest, but saw his spot-kick saved by Julen Agirrezabala.
Real went on to lose the game 2-1, with Mbappe’s miss proving costly. Questions are being asked of why the Frenchman continues to be handed penalty-taking duty – with Jude Bellingham having successfully converted against Getafe – but the 25-year-old has vowed to respond positively to another setback.
Mbappe has posted on social media, with more criticism coming his way during a testing start to life as another ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu: “Bad result. A big mistake in a match where every detail counts. I take full responsibility for it. A difficult moment but it’s the best time to change this situation and show who I am.”
Real will continue to give Mbappe their full backing, with head coach Ancelotti telling reporters when asked about more spot-kick woe: “I haven’t spoken to him. I shouldn’t evaluate a player’s game based on a penalty. Sometimes you score them, sometimes you don’t. Obviously he’s sad and disappointed, but we have to carry on. People make mistakes in football.”
Ancelotti added: “He isn’t at his best level, but we have to give him time to adapt. He’s scored 10 goals, he can do better, and he’s working to do better. He took the responsibility to take it, and it didn’t go well. But in football, that can happen.”
Mbappe has reached double figures for goals through 20 appearances in all competitions, but more was expected of him in the Spanish capital. Real, who sit four points behind leaders Barcelona in the Liga table while boasting a game in hand on their Clasico rivals, will return to action on Saturday when taking in a trip to Girona.
