Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe admitted he hit “rock bottom” following his penalty miss against Athletic Bilbao earlier this month — but stated he used his disappointment to spark his new form.
The Frenchman struggled to adapt to new life at Real Madrid after his free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, where he was the French club’s all-time top scorer, but niggling injury problems has contributed to his difficulty in settling.
However, after missing his second straight penalty in a week in the 2-1 loss at Bilbao, Mbappe has netted four times in all competitions, including the opening goal in Sunday’s 4-2 league win over Sevilla.
“I took a lot of positives from the Bilbao game. I hit rock bottom,” he said to Real Madrid TV.
“I missed a penalty and I realised at that moment I have to give my all for this shirt and play with personality.”
Mbappe has now recorded 10 goals in 16 league appearances, helping Los Blancos end the calendar year second in the table, just a point behind league leaders Atletico Madrid.
“I can score a lot more, I know I have a lot more to give. The last few games I’ve played better,” he added.
“I think we now know each other better. I’ve joined the team and that changed a lot of things. The settling-in period is over, as the coach says.
“I feel very comfortable in the team and I play better with the others on the pitch.”
Real’s next game is a trip to face Valencia in LaLiga on January 3.
