Kylian Mbappe’s highly anticipated move to Real Madrid has not begun with the explosive impact many predicted. The French superstar, who joined the Spanish giants this summer, is facing an unexpected period of adaptation, sparking debate over the root cause of his subdued performances.
Since his debut, Mbappe has failed to score in his first three official matches for the club. This slow start is unusual for a player of his caliber and has become a talking point in Spanish media. The situation reached a notable point during Real Madrid’s 2-1 La Liga victory over Real Betis at the Benito Villamarin Stadium.
In that match, manager Carlo Ancelotti made the decisive choice to substitute Mbappe in the 70th minute, replacing him with Brahim Diaz. The Italian tactician later confirmed the decision was purely tactical, aimed at injecting more energy into the team’s play. Ancelotti stated that he needed a player who would contribute more defensively from the wing, a clear public indication of what he felt was lacking from Mbappe’s game at that moment.
Further insight into the challenge comes from a revealed detail about the player’s preseason. It has been confirmed that Mbappe did not participate in any preseason preparations with his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, after being excluded from their tour. Consequently, he arrived at Real Madrid without the crucial foundation of a full training camp, putting him at a significant physical and tactical disadvantage compared to his new teammates.
This lack of a proper preseason is seen as a primary technical reason for his current form. However, observers are also questioning whether there is a psychological element at play. The immense pressure of fulfilling his “dream” move, coupled with the weight of expectation at the Santiago Bernabeu, may be contributing to a mental block that is affecting his confidence and sharpness in front of goal.
For now, the club and Ancelotti are preaching patience, attributing his form to a natural period of adjustment. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Mbappe’s struggles are a simple matter of match fitness or a more complex issue that needs to be resolved.
