Kylian Mbappe of France
Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Kylian Mbappe has made his ambitions clear ahead of the new season, with the Real Madrid superstar insisting that winning trophies is the only objective as José Mourinho begins his new era at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Mbappe reflected on his return to Valdebebas, his relationship with Mourinho and his determination to bring success back to the club.
The French forward is once again expected to be one of Real Madrid’s most important players, but his message before the start of the La Liga campaign was focused on a collective objective.
After two years in Spain and a period of major change in his personal and professional life, Mbappe believes the time has come for Real Madrid to take another step forward.
Mbappe backs Mourinho to lead Real Madrid towards success
Mbappe spoke positively about his early conversations with Mourinho and made it clear that the squad is excited to work under a manager with such a successful track record.
“We’ve spoken a lot during the World Cup and over the last few days here. It’s very positive to have a manager like that, who knows how to win, who knows how to guide us towards victory.
“As players, we’re delighted to have a manager who knows where he’s going. I think it’s positive for us.”
The Frenchman also discussed the importance of pre-season as Real Madrid prepare for the demands of a long campaign.
“I try to give it my all because this is the time when we can work the hardest. Later on, when the matches start, it’s more about managing the workload.
“This is the time to go all out, to get a feel for things so we’re ready for the first La Liga.”
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid
Mbappe is eager to work under Jose Mourinho. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
For Mbappe, the early weeks under the new coaching staff are about building the physical and tactical base required for the season ahead.
The striker returned to Valdebebas pleased to reconnect with his teammates and begin working with Mourinho’s staff.
“Very good. I’m happy to be back, to get a first feel for the team, the new coaching staff, my teammates and the people at Valdebebas.
“It’s always good to come back here to play and prepare for the season.”
Mbappe makes a strong promise
Mbappe did not hesitate when asked about Real Madrid’s objectives for the season, especially after two seasons without a major trophy under three different managers.
“I think we have to win; this year we’re going to win titles. I’m sure we’ll be winning titles again. That’s what we want and it’s going to happen – it’s going to happen because I feel the team is raring to go.
“We’re going to stay focused all year round to bring joy to the Madridistas. I think there’s nothing more important than winning titles with the team and feeling the fans’ joy.”
The French forward also reflected on his journey since arriving at Real Madrid, describing the move as a dream while admitting that the experience of leaving his home country brought significant changes.
Looking back at his first goal for the club, he said,
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid player
Mbappe is hungry to win a title with Real Madrid. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
“It was a very special day. Your first match with a new team is always special, and when that team is Real Madrid, it means something more – something more magical – and it was in a final.
“I had a great time: a goal, a title, a smile – everything was great. It’s been two years of big changes for me because it was the first time I’d left my country, and the experience has been very positive.
“I really like the club, playing in La Liga, living in Spain, here in Madrid – I know the city a bit.
“It’s important for a player to feel at home in the city where he lives and, as I’ve said, I think it’s time to take a step forward and win titles.”
Lastly, Mbappe’s final message summed up his mentality heading into the new season.
The Frenchman knows that individual performances alone are not enough at Real Madrid. Success is measured by trophies, and he believes the squad now has the hunger to deliver them.
“It was a dream to come here and it’s still a dream to be here every day, to have this opportunity.
“I’m someone who knows how to enjoy the present, to enjoy being here, and I know how lucky I am to be here, but now we have to win.
“Wherever you are, but at Real Madrid you have to win titles, win things, and that’s why I’m here and, as I’ve already said, we’re going to win titles this year.”
Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham and Dean Huijsen of Real Madrid
Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images
Real Madrid will face Schalke 04 on Sunday, August 16, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany in their final pre-season friendly of the summer.
Indeed, it will be the team’s final game before the official start of their La Liga season on August 22, when Jose Mourinho’s side visit Espanyol in Barcelona.
For the match in Germany, Mourinho will be able to call on new signings Yan Diomande, Marc Cucurella and Ibrahima Konate, none of whom has made their Real Madrid debut yet.
Kylian Mbappe, who returned to training this week after his World Cup break, could also make their first appearance under the Portuguese tactician in Germany.
Bellingham and Tchouameni remain doubts
However, according to Mundo Deportivo, the biggest question marks ahead of the Schalke match are Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid
A doubt for Schalke clash. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
Bellingham returned to training on Wednesday and Mourinho will now decide whether the English midfielder is ready to be included in the squad.
Tchouameni is in a similar situation. The Frenchman is recovering from a minor muscular problem and is expected to be fit for the league opener, but his participation against Schalke remains uncertain.
Both players are expected to be key components of Mourinho’s plans for the upcoming season.
Bellingham will be reinstated to his preferred position as an attacking midfielder operating just behind the centre-forward.
Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid
Tchouameni will be ready to face Espanyol. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
As for Tchouameni, he will have to compete with the likes of Federico Valverde, Bernardo Silva, and Eduardo Camavinga for a spot in the double pivot.
However, for now, their involvement for the game against Schalke is uncertain.
Six players to stay in Madrid
As for the other absentees, Real Madrid will definitely be without Raul Asencio, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, Thiago Pitarch and Eder Militao, all of whom are recovering from injuries.
The five players will remain in Madrid to continue their rehabilitation while the rest of the squad travels to Germany.
Meanwhile, as reported just a while ago, Endrick has suffered a muscle overload and is expected to miss the game against Schalke as well.
Mourinho will hope that the Brazilian, along with Bellingham and Tchouameni, will be ready and available to face Espanyol next week.