Mbappe needs time to adapt in Madrid, says Kempes

Kylian Mbappe must be afforded time to understand his new Real Madrid role, with differing challenges posed compared to his success with France and Paris Saint-Germain.

Former Argentina international Mario Kempes believes Mbappe will not have faced an experience like the pressure that comes with playing with Madrid.

The France captain has still managed seven goals in just 11 appearances to start his Los Blancos career, including finding the net five times in eight LaLiga appearances.

Yet Kempes, a 43-cap Argentina international, says Mbappe will have to adapt after what he sees as easier challenges when playing for France and Ligue 1 giants PSG.

“I can’t talk about being a number nine, because I’ve never been one. I think it’s all a matter of getting used to it, because Mbappe isn’t going to come in and score 40 goals,” Kempes told Stats Perform at Festival dello Sport in Trento, Italy.

“It’s different to play in France or in the national team, it’s nothing like playing in Madrid. At Madrid, you have to play 11 players or more every game and sometimes the ball doesn’t go in or hits the post.”

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Mbappe scored 27 times in 29 league appearances for PSG last term, as well as eight goals in 12 Champions League outings.

He has taken to life in Spain with ease, too, also managing five LaLiga goals in September – a tally no player could better last month across Europe’s top five leagues.

The 25-year-old has since opted to sit out of France’s October internationals with Israel and Belgium, despite declaring himself fit to play for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

That has caused backlash from some supporters in France and former players after Mbappe made his focus clear on his intentions with Madrid, and his sights on a first Ballon d’Or.

His success with Madrid will be dictated by the relationship with his team-mates, says Kempes, who expects Mbappe to need time to impress in the Spanish capital.

“You also have to get to know your team-mates,” Kempes added. “They are young and have a lot of desire and are very good, you also have to get to know each other on the pitch.

“There is still a long way to go.”

Mbappe and Madrid return to domestic action on Saturday when they visit Celta Vigo.