Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has insisted Kylian Mbappe feels no pressure to deliver an elusive Champions League title as the French striker prepares for his debut in the competition with Los Blancos.
Mbappe, 26, joined Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, only to watch his former club lift the trophy for the first time weeks later. But Alonso said the forward is focused on the long-term project at the Bernabeu rather than immediate comparisons.
“He’s not anxious, we all feel this is a project that’s just starting,” Alonso told reporters ahead of Tuesday’s group-stage opener against Marseille. “Winning the Champions League is one of the objectives, hopefully sooner rather than later, but I don’t think Kylian is anxious.”
Mbappe has already scored four goals in four La Liga matches this season, recovering from the stomach illness that hampered his performances at the Club World Cup, where Madrid were thrashed 4–0 by PSG in the semi-finals.
“Gastroenteritis meant it was Kylian ‘lite’ at the Club World Cup,” Alonso said. “But without doubt he’s a leader — his personality, experience and influence make him one of them.”
Madrid, record 15-time winners of the competition, have claimed six of the last 12 titles. Yet Alonso dismissed the idea of added pressure, describing the club’s legacy in Europe as a privilege.
“It’s a fact, unquestionable — an honour, a motivation, and a responsibility you live with and enjoy,” he added.
