French ahead Kylian Mbappe questions workforce’s want after damaging defeat sends Actual Madrid into playoffs.
Revealed On 29 Jan 2026
Actual Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has stated his workforce “deserve” to be of their present state of affairs as a result of they weren’t constant sufficient for a top-eight spot as his aspect slipped into the Champions League playoff spherical.
The file 15-time European champions fell to a 4-2 defeat at Jose Mourinho’s Benfica on Wednesday, ending ninth within the league section desk, that means they need to face their Portuguese conquerors or Bodo/Glimt in February as an alternative of reaching the final 16 immediately.
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After three wins of their earlier three matches underneath new coach Alvaro Arbeloa, Madrid had been introduced again right down to earth by Benfica in Lisbon.
“The issue is we aren’t constant in our play, we’ve got to repair that, you possibly can’t have sooner or later [playing well] and one other not, a champion workforce doesn’t try this,” Mbappe advised reporters.
“We need to be on this state of affairs right this moment. Benfica had been higher. Now we’ve got to play two extra playoff video games. It hurts to should play these. We wished to have the time in February to work on our recreation.”
Mbappe stated he couldn’t put his finger on a transparent cause why Madrid performed so poorly in opposition to Benfica.
“I feel it’s a little bit of every little thing. I can’t let you know it’s only a matter of perspective, as a result of if I solely say that, you’ll assume we got here right here with none want,” stated the French celebrity, who scored twice within the defeat.
“If I let you know it’s a soccer concern, you’ll assume the workforce is dangerous. No, I feel it’s a broader concern, and within the Champions League, each element issues if you wish to beat your opponent.
“It reveals you that in the event you don’t are available in with every little thing you’ll want to win a Champions League match, the opponent will come and, as they are saying, make fools of you.”
Nevertheless, Mbappe known as on Madrid’s followers to help the workforce on the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday in opposition to Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, relatively than booing as they did earlier in January.
“Come and help the workforce – we had a nasty recreation – however we aren’t knocked out of the Champions League, and in La Liga we’re in a very good dynamic now,” pleaded Mbappe.
“If the Bernabeu is with us, we are going to win on Sunday.”
