French forward says “everyone has their role” and urges his teammates to stick together
Kylian Mbappe has shut down talk that Real Madrid are too dependent on him.
The forward scored four goals to help his side overcome a stubborn Olympiacos side in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with the match eventually ending 4-3.
Mbappe has scored 22 goals in 18 appearances for Madrid so far this season, after scoring 44 in 59 last season. But the forward said that kind of talk was well wide of the mark.
“I find that absurd,” Mbappe said. “I don’t mean to be disrespectful, I’m just saying it’s the wrong question. Everyone has their role in the team, and mine is to score goals.”
“How could I claim that without the other players we wouldn’t win matches? Every team has players who fulfil a specific function, and mine is to score. But I don’t think about who is dependent on another, or anything like that. That’s a topic for journalists, or people outside the team.”
Mbappe’s goals have been a huge positive for Xabi Alonso, but the Spaniard has also faced serious criticism about tactics and the mood in the dressing room, particularly after a falling out with Vinicius Junior.
Mbappe said it was important for the squad to stick together and support the manager.
“Life isn’t always easy, and when you change projects or coaches, it’s normal for things to evolve,” said Mbappe. “But we, the players, have to support each other, support the coach, the staff, and stay united.
“[On Wednesday night] you could see that people were running and eager. We’ve always been loyal to the manager.”
