Mbappe Still Without a Trophy in Third Real Madrid Season, While Former Club PSG Have Won Two More Champions League Titles

Before the start of Mbappe's third season at Real Madrid, he was still being asked why the combination of a superstar and a super club had yet to fully deliver. At a press conference before the Champions League return, he faced a series of questions from Madrid media about the dressing room atmosphere, his relationship with Vinicius, and the team's overall operation.

Sharp questions at the press conference

The media focused on an awkward fact: after Mbappe left Paris Saint-Germain, his former club had already won two consecutive Champions League titles under Luis Enrique, while Real Madrid appeared to have gone back to the past, becoming an expensive collection of individuals lacking overall cohesion. Reports of dressing room conflicts during the periods of Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa also emerged last season.

Mbappe's response carried a defensive tone. He had just become the top scorer in World Cup history, scored 10 goals in North America during the summer, and netted 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid last season, making him one of the main contenders for this year's Ballon d'Or. However, Mbappe for France and Mbappe for Real Madrid have always been compared with each other, and this contrast continues to form the backdrop of his third season.

Mourinho's return and the first test

After two trophyless seasons, Mourinho's return to Real Madrid sent the message that only his reputation and past authority could bring discipline and control, allowing attacking talent to truly flourish. However, the test came quickly: last Friday Real Madrid lost 0-1 to Real Betis, and Mbappe missed a penalty.

Real Madrid are already behind defending champions Barcelona, who won all of their first four La Liga matches and scored 17 goals. Barcelona have not only set a benchmark in results but have also presented a challenge in terms of overall balance between attack and defense. The media even compared Mbappe and Vinicius' defensive contributions with those of Dembele at Paris and Raphinha at Barcelona.

Mbappe's response

Mbappe's answer was direct: "If I wanted to be foolish, I could tell you that I have scored more goals than the two players you mentioned, so they need to score more goals to be like me. Everyone is different." He continued: "But I am smart, so I will tell you that I need to improve. However, I don't like comparing myself, because I do..."