- Kylian Mbappe has endured an underwhelming start to the season in Spain
- The Frenchman missed two penalties in defeats in the space of seven days
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Kylian Mbappe reportedly held talks with some of Real Madrid’s key players following Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao, stating his intention to be more a leader going forward.
Mbappe has endured an underwhelming start at the Bernabeu with only six goals from open play in 20 matches.
The superstar Frenchman was afforded some leeway from fans as he adapted to his new surroundings but the pressure on him is mounting after two costly penalty misses in the space of a week.
Mbappe saw his spot-kick saved in the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League before seeing another one denied in Wednesday’s loss at Bilbao.
And Diario AS claim he pulled some of the team’s heavyweights to one side after the game.
The 25-year-old is said to have admitted his shortcomings so far this season and vowed to show his true self going forward.
Kylian Mbappe reportedly issued a rallying cry to his team-mates following Wednesday’s defeat
Mbappe is said to have pulled some of the team’s big players to one side in the dressing room
Wednesday’s defeat to Athletic Bilbao leaves Madrid four points behind leaders Barcelona
Mbappe insisted that he wants to be a leader of the project as the team bids to find the form of last season.
His comments are said to have been well received by the Los Blancos hierarchy, who expected this kind of attitude when he arrived.
The criticism of Mbappe has not been solely focused on his output but also his demeanor on the pitch, fans claiming he looks disinterested and lacking in work rate at times.
The World Cup winner spoke out on his recent frustrations in a short Instagram post following the defeat which left Madrid four points adrift of leaders Barcelona with a game in hand.
An honest Mbappe stated to his 122m followers on the social media platform: ‘bad result. A big mistake in a match in which every detail counts.
‘I take full responsibility. It’s a difficult time, but it’s the best time to change this situation and show who I am,’ he added.’
