The Frenchman has given an honest appraisal of his difficulties at Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe missed a second penalty in the space of a week against Bilbao
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By RYAN WALKER
Published: 19:11 EST, 4 December 2024 | Updated: 19:11 EST, 4 December 2024
Kylian Mbappe has addressed his torrid start to life in Real Madrid, insisting he takes 'full responsibility' for poor performances after the club dropped to another shock defeat.
The reigning LaLiga and Champions League holders lost further ground in the title race by slipping to a 2-1 defeat against Athletic Bilbao that saw Mbappe again wasteful in front of goal.
A 90 minute showing from the Frenchman saw him again entrusted on the left-wing by Carlo Ancelotti in the absence of Vinicius Jnr - but unlike the Brazilian - Mbappe was easily managed by opposition defenders.
His nightmare showing was summarised by the summer signing again missing a penalty just a week after he did so in Madrid's disastrous 2-0 Champions League hammering against Liverpool.
On this occasion, the 25-year-old watched on in misery as Bilabo goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala comfortably saved his spot-kick strike that came when Madrid were trailing by a single goal.
He also later missed a similar golden goalscoring chance after having the ball squared to him by Jude Bellingham, only for his tame strike to nestle comfortably in the shot-stopper's hands.
Kylian Mbappe has addressed his torrid start to life in Real Madrid after another problematic showing on Wednesday
Mbappe missed his second penalty in seven days after watching his spot-kick against Athletic Bilbao saved
A 90 minute showing from the Frenchman saw him again entrusted on the left-wing
Now, the Madrid star has spoken out on his recent frustrations in a short Instagram post following the Spanish giants latest calamitous league defeat that leaves them four points adrift of leaders Barcelona.
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.
Madrid are continuing to stand by the Les Blues captain who has seen his summer move to the club currently fail to kick into life while he has also twice been dropped from the France national team.
The club believe that the former PSG superstar will eventually deliver on the blockbuster investment Madrid have made in him, with Ancelotti also a believer that Mbappe will rediscover his previous world class form.
His arrival has also coincided with England star Bellingham being forced into playing a deeper midfield position, but taking a positive in scoring his fourth consecutive LaLiga goal of the season.
Mbappe was comforted by Jude Bellingham (right) after missing the penalty against Bilbao
Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde (middle) also apologised for his difficult performance
Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Federico Valverde made a glaring mistake in the build-up to Bilbao's second goal and also apologised for his poor showing in the Spanish top-flight contest
Valverde said: 'It was a hard blow, but I take the blame, I show my face and I apologize. For my teammates and the fans.
'I know it's football and these are things that can happen, but they're not alien to me and I didn't want to stop expressing myself because of the mistake I made.
'There is still a long way to go, many competitions and I am sure that many joys,' he added.