Mbappe admits Real Madrid took a “step backwards” after Atletico defeat: ‘It was very tough’ | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappe has admitted Real Madrid’s defeat to Atletico Madrid was a “step backwards”, but the French forward has urged his teammates to respond through their performances rather than become consumed by the derby’s refereeing controversy.

Speaking to AS, Mbappe reflected on the 2-1 defeat and acknowledged the frustration inside the Real Madrid camp. 

Indeed, the result ended a difficult night for Jose Mourinho’s side, but the forward stressed that there is still plenty of time to change the course of the season.

Mbappe admits Real Madrid took a step backwards

Asked whether the derby defeat represented a setback for Madrid, Mbappe did not attempt to soften his assessment.

“Yes, yes, a step backwards. It was very tough; we wanted to win, we knew what sort of match we were in for. 

“But the team gave it their all and we’re moving on because there’s still a long way to go in the season and we have to stay on the right track”.

The match was also dominated by several refereeing incidents, with Real Madrid questioning decisions involving Cristian Romero and Kang-in Lee. 

Mbappe, though, was unwilling to turn the interview into another criticism of the officials.

Mbappe admits derby defeat is a ‘step down’. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

Explaining his position on the controversy, the Frenchman said: “I don’t think I’ve ever been a player who talks much about the referee. I’m not going to start now. 

“I have my thoughts, but I keep them to myself. I’ve never been that sort of player and I’m not going to start now. 

“The referee is human; he makes mistakes – and those were mistakes – but I don’t want to get into that.”

Mbappe turns focus towards trophies and Zidane

Rather than continuing the discussion around Ortiz Arias, the match referee, Mbappe insisted that Madrid’s response must come on the pitch.

“Yes, yes, work and do more; others can talk, but we have to do more and work to bring back the excitement at Real Madrid and bring back the trophies.”

Mbappe also discussed his new chapter with France under Zinedine Zidane. The appointment has particular significance for the Real Madrid forward because of their history.

“It’s a new chapter with a new manager. The Nations League is coming up – four matches to see how they go – and it’s going to be a new experience for everyone because we’ve all only ever had Deschamps. 

Mbappe has opened up on Zidane’s appointment as France coach. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“It’s going to be a change for us, but I think it’s all going to work out very well.”

Zidane famously took Mbappe to Real Madrid’s training ground when the youngster was 13 or 14 to assess him. Now, years later, the pair will work together with France.

Recalling that first meeting, Mbappe said: “He was the first person to pick me up and take me to Real Madrid, to the training ground; I was 13 or 14, ages ago. And now he’s my manager. 

“It’s like something out of a film, but it’s brilliant. It’s real; we’re in a new phase in France. We’ve got two years to prepare for the European Championship, and that’s what we’re focusing on right now.”

Lastly, the Ballon d’Or remains another subject surrounding Mbappe, with voting set to close in a week. Asked about the race, he added: 

“I think I’ve already said everything there is to say on the subject. People weren’t happy when I talked too much about it, but that’s just how it is. 

“I’m at peace with it; I’ve done everything I could and I think I’ve done well. And now it’s just a matter of waiting,” he concluded.