Critical Atalanta Figure Slams Real Madrid's 'Fundamental Blunder' in Recruiting Mbappe: 'May He Endure Hardship on Tuesday'
Critical Atalanta Figure Slams Real Madrid's 'Fundamental Blunder' in Recruiting Mbappe: 'May He Endure Hardship on Tuesday'
In a chat with AS, following the upcoming Champions League encounter between the two teams, Atalanta legend Josip Ilicic pointed out a significant blunder made by Real Madrid in acquiring Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe signed for Real Madrid as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain after letting his contract lapse at the Parc des Princes.
During an interview in France on a Sunday night, the striker himself admitted that he could have easily extended his stay in the city if one condition was met.
At 25, Mbappe declared his determination to excel at the Bernabeu, despite his struggles being apparent in the 2024/2025 season, despite scoring twice in Real Madrid's last three matches.
On the eve of this season's UEFA Super Cup contestants clashing in the Champions League on Tuesday, Ilicic was invited to comment on Mbappe's potential yet to be unveiled in Madrid - a fact that coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted to. Firstly, Ilicic expressed his belief in the presence of "a fundamental error."
"In Mbappe's role, there's a player who was close to winning the Ballon d'Or," Ilicic stated, hinting towards the left wing and Vinicius Jr. "They had to adjust him as a center-forward, but I don't think he fits well there.
"It's evident that he always tries to create space where Vinicius Jr. does. Honestly, I anticipated this. He's suffering as a striker, he has less space and less support to break free.
"Add to this massive pressure and expectations. People visualized him accomplishing what Cristiano [Ronaldo] did, but that's impossible. Ronaldo and Messi were in a league of their own. In France, he felt more protected. In Madrid, the expectations are extremely high. As long as you're not scoring goals, you're worthless."
When asked if he would have signed a pure number 9 in Mbappe's place, Ilicic stated that Madrid is "lacking a focal point up front."
"A Benzema, who also knows how to play with his back to the goal, something that's difficult for Mbappe. I hope he suffers in Bergamo as well," Ilicic cracked, referring to the upcoming clash against Atalanta, the leaders of Italy's Serie A, which is crucial for a Madrid side that has suffered three defeats in its bid to retain its European championship so far."
Ilici belief that Real Madrid made a mistake in transitioning Kylian Mbappe from a left winger to a center-forward, as he mentioned, "They had to adjust him as a center-forward, but I don't think he fits well there."
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, two of the greatest players of all time, are often referenced when discussing Mbappe's expectations in Madrid. Ilicic stated, "People visualized him accomplishing what Cristiano [Ronaldo] did, but that's impossible. Ronaldo and Messi were in a league of their own."
Josip Ilicic also highlighted the difficulty Mbappe faces in Atalanta's upcoming match, stating, "I hope he suffers in Bergamo as well," referring to the potential struggles Mbappe may face against Atalanta, who are currently leading Italy's Serie A.