Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe was the star of the show on Tuesday evening, because they won a first La Liga victory of the season on Osasuna, thanks to a penalty from the Frenchman. He explained after the game that he thinks his own personal mentality could make the difference for Real Madrid.
Mbappe spoke with Marca after the game and gave his assessment of a tight 90 minutes in the Santiago Bernabeu.
“It was important for us to start at home with a win at home. We knew it would be difficult. Osasuna had a clear plan to wait for us, and they had Budimir. In the first half we had no room, and then in the second half we scored. We had more chances and had more control.
The French attacker also explained exactly what Alonso had asked against Osasuna. Mbappe noted that control of the ball was the central principle for their new manager.
“He wanted us to have a lot of control over the ball, playing from one side to the other, so the other team does not have the chance to run [forward] And has no room to play. There are things that we can improve; We have just returned from vacation, but it is positive. “
On a personal level, Mbappe said he was in a good place, after a match-winning performance.
“I feel very good, but the most important thing is always to help the team. Attacking, defensive, and everything else will happen. If I have a good spirit to help the team, we will win games.”
In the summer, Mbappe inherited the number 10 of the departing Luka Modric, where Gonzalo Garcia Torres took over the number 9 shirt.
“It is an important number here, just like the number 9. The most important thing is to play with Madrid in the Bernabeu. It's hot, but it's great to be back with the fans. When we go on the field, we always want to play well for the Real Madrid fans and the people who view us at home.”
Expectations for Mbappe are towering this season, after a mixed first year, despite picking up the Pichichi Award. Alonso noted after the game that he had noticed a hungry Mbappe this summer, and it seems like the Frenchman will now be the actual face of this Real Madrid side.