Kylian Mbappe Reflects on Defensive Improvements and Team Goals Ahead of Inter Clash

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe shared his thoughts before their upcoming Champions League game against Inter Milan at the Bernabeu. When asked if he and Vinicius Jr should take cues from their former club PSG by contributing more defensively, Mbappe responded candidly:

"Just me and Vinicius? Of course we have to improve. That's perfectly natural. I can say that I score more goals than the PSG players, and they should be scoring more. But I have to be smart and admit that I need to improve, even though I do things the others (PSG players) don't. It's a never-ending debate. We all need to improve in this area. And with the ball too."

Excitement for Champions League Return

Mbappe expressed his enthusiasm about returning to the Champions League stage, emphasizing the motivation and readiness of the team:

"Very happy to be back playing in the Champions League. We always approach this competition with motivation and enthusiasm. We're in good shape. We're going to play a very demanding match, but this is the Champions League and it's a pleasure."

On Relationship with Vinicius Jr and Team Unity

Addressing opinions about his partnership with Vinicius Jr, Mbappe dismissed external noise and stressed collective ambition:

"It's just one opinion among millions about Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world. I can't control everything that's said. We all have the same goal, which is to win titles. We can't control people's opinions. We listen, we try to improve, and we move forward."

Regarding how he works alongside Vinicius and Jude Bellingham, Mbappe made it clear that focusing on the team is his priority rather than individual player changes:

"I'm not interested in removing players from the squad. People like it, the press does too, and that's normal, because that's what sells. I don't know about you, but I'm focused on the team, on how we can improve. And win titles."

Thoughts on Ballon d'Or and Personal Ambitions

Mbappe reflected on the significance of the Ballon d'Or when playing for a club like Real Madrid:

"When you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, you're associated with these awards. When people see me in the street, they talk about it. It's an award that's very positive for every player. I've made a lot of history this summer in the most important competition. But there's still a long way to go. People are free to think who the best player in the world is."

He also addressed questions about whether he considers himself the best globally:

"I always do, but it's a very personal thing. Everyone has their own opinion. Some will think yes, others no. It's a debate... and not everyone has to think like me. This year might be a good one to win the Ballon d'Or, but it’s voted on by journalists, and they'll be the ones to choose."

Balancing Goals and Winning Trophies

When asked if scoring fewer goals would be acceptable if it meant winning trophies, Mbappe was straightforward:

"And I buy fewer, too. Even 30. I'm not going to say it's a debate for people who don't play football, but it is an absurd one. If I score 40 and we're fighting for the league, Champions League, cup… should I stop scoring goals because if I score too many… won't we win? Of course I want to win titles, but it's not a question of choosing. You have to do both. Score goals and win trophies."

Reflecting on Past Losses and Hunger to Win

Mbappe touched on the emotional impact of recent defeats, including a loss to Spain and finals he's experienced:

"It was difficult. The most... I don't know. Because I've lost a World Cup final and a Champions League final. But! I think it was a very beautiful competition for the country, because of the image we projected. We can't always win the World Cup, because it's not always possible. But we're always hungry. The day you lose that hunger is the day you're out."

Leadership Roles in Club and Country

He compared his responsibilities between Real Madrid and the French national team:

"I have two different contexts: the national team and Real Madrid. Of course, in each context I have to take a step forward, but with the national team I'm the captain, and here I'm not. But I want to improve as a player. Not just for France or Real Madrid, but because I want to have a better understanding of the game at any given moment. I've had many different coaches, and that has helped me a lot to see how we can adapt to each situation. Because I always say that there are many games in one game. This whole aspect, this management, gives you the maximum amount of information."

Comments on PSG's Success Since His Departure

Finally, Mbappe offered a brief comment about his former club's achievements:

"Well, I think it's just another analysis. In the end, talking about myself sells a lot, and I accept that. It's fine. But it's just another analysis."