Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said yesterday that superstar striker Kylian Mbappe feels no anxiety about winning the Champions League for the first time as Los Blancos prepare to face Marseille.
Mbappe, 26, left Paris Saint-Germain last summer to join the record 15-time winners Madrid, only to watch his former club lift the trophy for the first time in their history.
“He’s not anxious; we all feel this is a project that’s just starting,” Alonso told a news conference ahead of Tuesday’s opening match at the Santiago Bernabeu. “One of the objectives is to win the Champions League, hopefully sooner rather than later. Kylian is part of the path to getting there, but I don’t think he’s anxious.”
“Today we spoke about what the Champions League means, but we were not talking about May (the final); we were discussing the near future.” Mbappe faced his former club PSG for the first time at the Club World Cup this summer, where Madrid suffered a 4-0 defeat in the semifinals.
However, the striker was not fully fit during the tournament in the United States due to a stomach bug and has since started the LaLiga season strongly, scoring four goals in his first four games. “Gastroenteritis meant it was Kylian ‘lite’ at the Club World Cup,” Alonso added.
“Without a doubt, he’s a leader due to his personality, experience, and the influence he has on others; he’s one of them.” Real Madrid has won six of the last 12 Champions Leagues, but Alonso stated he does not feel extra pressure due to the club’s rich history in the competition.
“It’s a fact, unquestionable; an honour, a motivation, and it is a responsibility you live with and enjoy,” Alonso concluded. “It’s a privilege.”
