“Sometimes you score from the spot, sometimes you don’t.» As often since the start of the season, this Wednesday evening Carlo Ancelotti pulled out the stops too try to defend his number 9 Kylian Mbappé. Inevitably questioned about the performance of his striker, still silent during the defeat against Athletic bilbao (2-1) but above all the author of a missed penalty for the second time in a row after Liverpool last week (2-0), the Italian the coach has reiterated his trust in his striker time and time again.
“Sometimes you score from the spot, sometimes you don’t. These are things that happen. I won’t judge his performance on a penalty,” he said.Except the rest isn’t brilliant either. If he was involved in Real Madrid’s only goal when his long-range shot was blocked by the Basque goalkeeper and ended up at the feet of Jude Bellingham alone in an empty net, the French striker did not weigh enough, still in the absence of Vinicius.
And inevitably, his new penalty miss will get people talking again.A week after the first defeat against Liverpool, which had raised major questions about his mental state, Carlo Ancelotti explained that he “has not yet spoken” to his player. “It’s sad about the penalty, yes…but it can happen,” he explained simply. Ancelotti also maintains all his faith in the exercise. “There are no changes to the sanctions. We have three shooters: Bellingham, Vinicius and Mbappé,” he insisted.
How can young athletes build mental resilience to handle pressure in high-stakes situations?
Interview with Sports analyst Dr. Leo Dupont on Kylian Mbappé’s Recent Performance
time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Dupont. Let’s dive into the recent performance of Kylian Mbappé during Real Madrid’s match against Athletic Bilbao, particularly highlighting the implications of that missed penalty. How does it impact his mental state and the team’s strategy moving forward?
Dr. Leo Dupont: Thank you for having me. Kylian Mbappé’s recent penalty misses—most notably against Liverpool and now against Athletic Bilbao—are undoubtedly causing ripples in both his confidence and team dynamics. Missing a penalty can affect a player’s mental state considerably, especially when they’re already under pressure to perform. Ancelotti’s support is crucial here; by highlighting that “sometimes you score from the spot, sometimes you don’t,” he’s trying to alleviate some of that pressure and keep the focus on team morale rather than individual performance.
Time.news Editor: That’s an captivating point. Many fans are concerned about Mbappé’s form in the absence of Vinicius.How do you see his performance impacting the overall team dynamics?
Dr. Leo Dupont: With Vinicius out, Mbappé is expected to shoulder more duty, which can be overwhelming.His involvement in the team’s only goal against Athletic Bilbao, although indirectly, demonstrates that he still has the potential to make impactful plays.However, he needs to find a balance between that expectation and delivering consistent performance, especially when the team is underperforming. If his confidence doesn’t rebound, we might see Real Madrid’s attacking line struggle without their key players.
Time.news Editor: Carlo Ancelotti mentioned that there would be no changes to the designated penalty shooters and reaffirmed the trio of Bellingham, vinicius, and Mbappé. Why is this decision significant?
Dr. Leo Dupont: This decision signifies trust and stability in the team’s approach. By keeping the same penalty shooters, Ancelotti sends a message that he believes in their abilities despite failures. It’s a crucial psychological move. From a broader viewpoint, consistency in the shooters ensures that players remain mentally prepared and not overly concerned about who takes the responsibility, which can vary the tension during games. This leads to better collective harmony and performance during crucial moments in matches.
Time.news Editor: As we look ahead, what advice would you give young players who might face similar pressure when it comes to executing important plays like penalties?
Dr. Leo Dupont: The essence lies in developing mental resilience. Young players should cultivate a positive mindset and understand that mistakes are part of the game. Practicing penalties regularly to build confidence is vital, but equally critically important is learning to manage the emotions that come with high-stakes situations. Visualization techniques, discussing feelings about performance with coaches, and maintaining a supportive camaraderie with teammates can help alleviate some of the pressure. Making sure to keep focus on the next opportunity and not dwelling on past mistakes is key.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Dupont. Your insights on Kylian Mbappé’s performance and mental state provide valuable takeaways for players and coaches alike, particularly in high-pressure environments like professional football.
Dr. Leo Dupont: It’s my pleasure—thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic. The mental aspect of football is as critical as the technical skills, and it’s essential we pay attention to both.
Conclusion: Kylian Mbappé’s recent missed penalties spotlight the pressures elite athletes face during high-stakes games. As Real madrid looks to maintain team morale and confidence, insights from sports analysts like Dr. Leo Dupont underline the importance of mental resilience in overcoming challenges. Fans and young players can learn a lot from how elite athletes navigate similar situations.