During a recent conversation on El Chiringuito TV, Karim Benzema elaborated on the difficulties that Kylian Mbappe is facing at Real Madrid. He provided thoughtful recommendations on how Mbappe can effectively navigate his responsibilities within the club, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the high expectations that come with playing for such a prestigious team. Benzema’s insights reflect his own experiences and the pressures of performing at the top level in the world of football.
Benzema believes that Mbappe’s struggle stems from playing in the wrong position. According to him, Mbappe is naturally suited to playing on the left wing rather than as a central striker. Benzema elaborated that the typical characteristics of a centre-forward differ significantly from those of a winger, and it is crucial for Mbappe to understand his inherent strengths and adapt his playing style accordingly.
When Mbappe has played as the main centre-forward for France, he hasn’t looked as effective or comfortable, Benzema notes, suggesting it’s not where Mbappe can show his best. “The problem for me is that Mbappe is not a centre forward. Every time he plays for France as a ‘9’ he is not good, it is not his position,” he began saying. This statement sheds light on the tactical complexities involved in modern football, where players are often required to possess a diverse skill set. Benzema’s assertion highlights that positional play is fundamental to a player’s success, and adapting to different roles can be a challenge, especially in a competitive environment like Real Madrid.
However, at Real Madrid, the left-wing role is already occupied by Vinicius Jr., who is one of the top players in that position. Benzema points out that moving Vinicius to the right or to a central role wouldn’t work, as Vinicius shines when positioned on the left side of the attack. “The problem is that on the left there is another player who is at the same level as him… you can’t put Vini on the right or as a centre forward, where he makes a difference is on the left. Let’s see how Ancelotti does that.” This scenario creates a challenging dynamic where two world-class talents are vying for similar spaces on the pitch.
Benzema’s advice to Mbappe is straightforward: adapt to the ‘9’ role and fully embrace it. He emphasises that Real Madrid is not Paris Saint-Germain, where there might be more flexibility and less intense pressure. The culture at Real Madrid is shaped by high expectations and a relentless desire for victory. As one of the most storied clubs in football history, players are often under scrutiny, and the margin for error is razor-thin.
Real Madrid expect results constantly, and the pressure is higher, which means that Mbappe has to be ready to perform at his best every single match. “Mbappe is not a ‘9’. There is a lot of pressure at Real Madrid; this is not PSG. A piece of advice? He shouldn’t give up.” Benzema’s reflections underscore the need for mental resilience in the face of high-stakes performance requirements.
In addressing Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, Benzema expressed his belief that Ancelotti is unlikely to displace Vinicius from his left-wing position, as he is currently thriving there. “I don’t think Ancelotti is going to move Vinicius; he’s the best in the world right now in that position.” This leaves Mbappe in a situation where he must take on the responsibilities of a centre-forward. Benzema stresses that Mbappe needs to accept this and adapt his game to fit the demands of the ‘9’ role, rather than looking for opportunities on the left. Such tactical clarity is essential for a player’s development and integration into a team’s style of play.
“Mbappe has to get it into his head that he has to be a ‘9’ and forget about the left. He’s been very good on the left, and now he has to be good somewhere else.” This advice is not only practical but also encourages Mbappe to embrace growth and transformation as a player. Adaptability is a trait every successful athlete must cultivate, especially at a club like Real Madrid.
Benzema also shared his personal experience to highlight the level of pressure Mbappe will face. He explained that there is no room for error at Real Madrid; fans expect constant results. “My situation in my first year and Kylian’s is different. I was 21 and he is 25; it’s not the same. He knows that there is a lot of pressure at Real Madrid,” he noted. This comparison serves to provide context to Mbappe’s situation, as he is stepping into a legacy of greatness embraced by past legends who have adorned the famous white jersey.
Even a brief goal drought could lead to harsh criticism. While Benzema faced similar pressure when he first joined the club, he was younger than Mbappe is now. “If you don’t score a goal in two or three games, they’ll kill you. He has to learn to live with that. He has to put up with that pressure.” Here, Benzema’s candidness reflects the harsh realities players face. The constant demand for excellence can be a double-edged sword, fueling ambition while also introducing stress that can hinder performance.
He advises Mbappe to adjust quickly and learn to thrive under the intense spotlight, as Real Madrid fans have high expectations, and Mbappe’s role in the squad requires him to deliver consistently. “Every game is new and you have to score goals; they brought him for that and he has the level for it,” he concluded. This summary encapsulates Benzema’s key points—adapt, embrace challenge, and continually strive for excellence. Understanding these dynamics is critical for any player aiming to leave their mark at a club renowned for its rich history and unwavering pursuit of glory.
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