Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has backed his struggling teammate Kylian Mbappe to turn around his current fortunes at some point in the season, having overcome similar struggles himself when he first arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It hasn’t been smooth sailing for Mbappe since his summer arrival from Paris Saint-Germain. The Frenchman has come under heavy criticism after failing to make a blistering start to life at the Spanish capital.
Courtois, who faced his own challenges after joining Real Madrid in 2018, has offered support to the embattled France international as he adapts to life at the club.
Despite scoring in back-to-back games, including a sharp finish against Getafe, Mbappe is still finding his rhythm. Both Carlo Ancelotti and Courtois have publicly backed the summer arrival to find his feet soon.
“It’s similar to what happened to me,” the Belgian goalkeeper told MARCA.
“The demands of the Bernabeu and Real Madrid are not easy. You know where you’re going and what awaits you, but it’s not always easy.
“The more you try, the less you succeed,” the 32-year-old noted.
“You have to be calm, do the easy things well, and then focus on the difficult things. Once that works, I’m sure the goals will come.
“What’s happening to him is not due to a lack of professionalism or desire. It’s the same thing that happened to me at the beginning.
“It’s not about wanting less or not trying, there are simply times when things don’t work out. You need a reference match that marks the turning point, and I’m sure that will happen.
“I hope he scores three goals against Athletic.”
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
