After his team’s defeat in Bilbao this Wednesday, the french striker published a short message on his Instagram account.
Kylian Mbappé”assume“. After facing Real Madrid again, beaten this Wednesday in Bilbao (1-2), the French striker published a short message in the story on his instagram account at the end of the match. “Bad result. A big mistake in a game where every detail counts. I take full obligation for it.” writes the France captain, author of another missed penalty on Basque soil, a week after his failure on the Liverpool pitch in the Champions League.
Mbappé is “sad” according to Ancelotti
«A arduous time but it’s the best time to change this situation and show who I am», added the Merengue number 9.A few minutes earlier it was his coach Carlo Ancelotti who intervened in the press conference to give him his support, while admitting that his protégé was “sad».
«Mbappé is sad. We cannot reduce his performance to the fact that he missed a penalty. We need to give him time to adapt», declared the Italian coach, still at the bedside of his star who has been in difficulty for several weeks.
What psychological strategies can elite athletes like kylian Mbappé use to overcome performance anxiety after a critical mistake?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Sports Psychologist Dr. Emily Carson on Kylian Mbappé’s Recent Performance
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carson. We’re discussing a pressing topic in the football world: Kylian Mbappé’s recent performance and his response after the match against Real Madrid, where he missed a crucial penalty. What are your thoughts on his Instagram message claiming responsibility for the defeat?
Dr. Emily Carson: Thank you for having me. Mbappé’s situation is engaging,both psychologically and from a performance perspective. by taking full responsibility for the result,he demonstrates a high level of accountability,which is essential for a leader like him.Though, public messaging like this can have mixed effects on his mental state and team dynamics.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. He mentioned that it was a “big mistake in a game where every detail counts.” How critically important is it for elite athletes to recognize the impact of these details on their performance?
Dr. Emily Carson: It’s crucial. In high-stakes environments like professional football, minor mistakes can lead to significant consequences. Recognizing these details is part of cognitive processing; athletes must learn to analyze their performance critically. However, balancing this critical analysis with self-compassion is equally important to avoid a downward spiral of self-blame, which can exacerbate stress and anxiety.
Time.news Editor: Carlo Ancelotti,Mbappé’s coach,described him as “sad” and emphasized that we shouldn’t reduce his performance to just missing a penalty. What advice would you give to coaches in situations like this?
Dr. Emily Carson: Ancelotti’s approach is commendable. Coaches should always consider the athlete’s emotional state. Offering continuous support and understanding after a failure can foster resilience. Encouraging an open dialog about emotions can help athletes process their feelings and regain confidence.Coaches can also implement strategies like mindfulness and focus training to help athletes cope under pressure.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned resilience. How can Mbappé bounce back from this rough patch and regain his form, especially after another recent penalty miss?
Dr. Emily Carson: Resilience is key here.He can work on reframing his experience with failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. Techniques such as visualization, relaxation exercises, and setting small, achievable goals can definitely help him build confidence. Additionally, discussing these feelings with a sports psychologist or counselor might enable him to develop better coping mechanisms when facing pressure.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating to note that Mbappé is experiencing these performance issues alongside some significant setbacks. How can athletes navigate such challenging phases in their careers?
Dr. Emily Carson: Every athlete faces challenging times; it’s an inherent part of a sports career. Support systems—teammates, coaches, and mental health professionals—play a crucial role. Engaging in regular self-reflection, maintaining a balance between personal life and sport, and focusing on personal growth rather than solely on outcomes can definitely help athletes navigate through these phases more effectively.
Time.news Editor: Before we wrap up, what do you think the long-term implications of this situation could be for Mbappé and his career trajectory?
Dr. Emily Carson: If approached correctly,this situation can considerably heighten his emotional intelligence and resilience,turning challenges into stepping stones for growth. However, if it leads to prolonged performance anxiety or impacts his self-esteem negatively, it could hinder his potential. Ultimately, how he and his support team manage this moment will influence his future—both as an athlete and a leader in the sport.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carson, for your insights on Kylian Mbappé’s recent performance and the psychological challenges elite athletes face. It’s been a pleasure.
Dr. Emily Carson: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to shed light on these aspects of sports and performance. I look forward to seeing how mbappé rebounds in the coming matches.