Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has identified French superstar Kylian Mbappe as one of the leadership figures of his squad ahead of their opening game of this season’s UEFA Champions League league phase against Olympique Marseille.
Widely reputed to be the Kings of Europe, the Spanish giants kick off their pursuit of a record 16th European crown on Tuesday when they host French counterparts Marseille at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Last season, their title defence ended in the quarter-finals with a 5-1 aggregate loss to Arsenal, a setback that also halted Mbappe’s quest to finally lift the Champions League trophy after numerous failed attempts during his time at Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite his glittering career, which includes a World Cup triumph with France in 2018 and seven Ligue 1 titles, Europe’s top club prize has continued to evade him. The Frenchman came closest in 2020, when PSG fell to Bayern Munich in the final.
Now at Real Madrid, many believe Mbappe is under immense pressure to finally add that elusive UCL winner’s medal to his collection but Alonso insists there’s no anxiety for the talented forward.
“He doesn’t look it to me,” the Madrid boss responded when asked whether Mbappe was anxious. “We’re all well aware that this is a project in its early stages.
“As part of playing for Madrid, one of the goals along the way is always to win the Champions League. I hope it happens sooner rather than later, and that we’re following the right path to get there. Kylian is part of that.
“Given his personality, his experience and the influence he has on others. He’s one of the leaders and when the group is strong and consolidated, the rest of the squad know who they have to look at, whose example they should follow. Kylian is one of them.”
Mbappe has registered remarkable numbers in the UEFA Champions League, contributing 79 goal involvements (55 goals and 24 assists) in just 87 appearances.
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