Football is as much of a mental game as it is played out physically on the field and Kylian Mbappe’s situation perfectly exemplifies that statement.
The Frenchman missed a penalty last week at Anfield and was singled out as the biggest weak link in the side by fans and pundits after the game.
He then started against Getafe at the weekend but refused to take the penalty that was won in the first half, handing the responsibility to Jude Bellingham who gleefully converted.
The men in white then won a penalty in the second half, and SPORT bring to light a curious situation that unfolded at the time.
A conversation with Rodrygo
As relayed by the outlet, Mbappe once again attempted to take a step back when Real Madrid won the penalty in the 50th minute. He did not push to take the ball despite the team’s lead,.
On the second occasion, he did not turn to Bellingham but his teammate Rodrygo to take the penalty and hoped to get away with it.
The Brazilian, however, believed that Mbappe was the right man to step up and convert as it would do his confidence a world of good and was joined by Lucas Vazquez in his campaign for the Frenchman to step up.
Eventually, however, the penalty was annulled by VAR and play went on.
The fact that Mbappe scored in the first half and still refused to take the penalty when the chance arose, raised question marks about his confidence.
However, manager Carlo Ancelotti downplayed the matter, stating that it was an act of selflessness from the French superstar.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti and Co. have made it their priority to help the player find his footing once more and will continue to slowly increase the responsibility on his shoulders.