Mbappe talks Mourinho, Vinicius, Bellingham, Diomande, Espi, Barcelona, Ballon d’Or | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappe has worked under four different Real Madrid managers in just over two seasons, and his latest interview with AS offers a glimpse into how he views the changes at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and now Jose Mourinho have each left their mark on the French forward, and Mbappe says the Portuguese’s appointment has already made an impression.

“It’s always a privilege to be part of their journey. I’ve learnt things from all four of them because they each have a very different way of looking at football.

“With Mourinho, it’s a bit different. He’s one of the most intelligent people I’ve ever met. He’s a leader.

“I knew that even before he arrived, but when you see him every day, you realise he’s a very special person and a legendary manager, who has left his mark on his era and will continue to do so with us. That’s for sure.”

Mourinho wants goals, while Mbappe avoids setting limits

Mourinho has not handed Mbappe a specific target despite the expectation that the Frenchman will remain Real Madrid’s main source of goals.

Asked whether his manager had challenged him to reach 50 goals, Mbappe replied:

“No, he hasn’t given me a specific figure; he’s just told me to score goals. I never set myself limits or goal-scoring targets because you never know what might happen over the course of a season.”

The Ballon d’Or was another obvious subject, and Mbappe refused to put a number on his own chances, instead focusing on what he can control.

Mbappe is backing himself for the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)

“It may well have been a good year. But it’s not up to me; my aim is always to help my teammates, give my all and win over the voters. 

“At the end of the day, it’s people like you who cast the votes. My job is simply to win over the voters and impress them with my football.”

When asked for his favourite, he kept his answer brief, stating, “The most important thing for me is that the Ballon d’Or returns to Real Madrid.”

Mbappe on Vinicius, Bellingham and dream signings

Mbappe was also asked about the players around him, including Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, and he said that both superstars possess different qualities.

“They’re very different. On the pitch, they do completely different things. There are aspects of the game where Jude is better, others where Vini or Güler are, or Brahim, Diomande, Espi… 

“The latter is going to score loads of goals this season; he’s got a knack for scoring.”

Furthermore, when asked who he would bring back to Real Madrid, Mbappe chose three club legends.

“Cristiano, Zidane, Ronaldo – if they could come back. Cristiano would come back. Zizou still plays a bit from time to time. And Ronaldo… you never lose that quality. 

“They’re Real Madrid legends. They’ve given so much and continue to inspire great excitement amongst Real Madrid fans.”

Mbappe backs Yan Diomande

Kylian Mbappe has backed Yan Diomande. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The Frenchman’s comments on Yan Diomande were equally revealing. The teenager has already attracted attention owing to his price tag, and Mbappe believes the talent is obvious while stressing the need to protect him.

“He’s at a certain stage of his development. Building relationships between the players, as a team. Diomande is part of that right now.

“On his first day at Valdebebas, we could see he’s got quality. Then people talk a lot during matches about the 140 million and things like that. He’s young – he’s 19 – but the quality is there.

“We can see it, and he’s already shown what he’s capable of. We try to protect him, and all the players in the squad, because ultimately we’re going to need everyone.”

For Mbappe, the focus is on building Mourinho’s new Real Madrid team before the decisive part of the campaign.

“You have to build the foundation of your team – the collective level, the unit and everything. This applies to us too, as we have a new coaching staff and a new set-up. 

“We’re in the process of laying the groundwork for success in the second half of the season.”

That includes a Barcelona side that has started strongly. Mbappe, though, was not interested in making them the centre of his attention.

“Good for them. I don’t like talking about other teams because I’m not there; I don’t know what they’re up to. They’ve won some matches, but it’s only the start of the season,” he concluded.