Why Real Madrid Believe PSG Caused Kylian Mbappé’s Slow Start This Season | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappé has had a rollercoaster start to his first season at Real Madrid after leaving Paris Saint-Germain this past summer. Nonetheless, could the Parisians be to blame for the sluggish start that the Frenchman experienced?

In the fall months, the 2018 FIFA World Cup had moments where he was a shell of his former self. Mbappé missed penalties and struggled to find the back of the net as there was questions whether it would be a flop signing.

Nonetheless, in December and now in January, Mbappé has rediscovered his past form and scored a hat-trick this weekend against Real Valladolid CF. So what was the problem behind the Frenchman’s struggles? A report shed light on what was occurring behind the scenes.

Are PSG to blame for Kylian Mbappé’s slow start?

Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

The Athletic reports, citing anonymous sources within the Real Madrid staff, that Mbappé’s recent seasons at PSG are believed to have had a significant mental impact on him. As a result, his first few months in Madrid were marked by a necessary period of adjustment.

Recently, Vitinha gave an extensive interview to The Times and the midfielder discussed Mbappé’s departure to Real Madrid last summer. Moreover, he highlighted the difference in how the goals are being distributed between all the players this season.

“Kylian is one of the best, if not the best,” Vitinha said. “We knew it would be difficult, that we couldn’t replace him directly. But you can replace him with the team. That’s what we did. I think we’re collectively better, and we’ve already shown it. Sometimes the goals don’t come, but we have a lot of excellent attackers.”