I’m The Best In The World, I Outscore Raphinha, Dembele Says Mbappé

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has said he is determined to help the Spanish giants win the UEFA Champions League as he prepares for another European campaign with the club.

Mbappé spoke to the media ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Inter, discussing the team’s preparations, his relationship with Vinícius Júnior, his work under coach José Mourinho and his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.

This will be Mbappé’s third Champions League campaign in a Real Madrid shirt, with the French forward still seeking the European title that has eluded him throughout his career.

Speaking about the upcoming clash with Inter and his condition ahead of the game, Mbappé said: “We are extremely happy to be back playing a match in the Champions League. We play with passion and determination, and the Santiago Bernabéu stadium provides an added incentive.

He added: “It will be a difficult match, but it’s the Champions League, and that’s why we feel great joy in playing it.”

Mbappé also addressed the constant discussion surrounding his partnership with Vinícius Júnior and whether the two forwards are able to complement each other effectively.

“I don’t know, that is the opinion of millions. Real Madrid is the biggest club, and I can’t control what is said. We have the same goal, which is to win titles. We can’t control people’s opinions, and we are always trying to improve,” he said.

On working with Mourinho, Mbappé said the focus should remain on getting the best out of the entire team rather than individual players.

“I look at the bigger picture in order to get the best version out of the 11 players. I know people like to focus on these things, because that is what sells, but I think with a team mentality and how we can develop.”

He continued: “Mourinho is someone who knows how to win, and how to transmit this mentality to those around him, and he gives motivation to the entire club and to his group, and the most important thing is winning matches.”

Mbappé was also questioned about criticism of his defensive contribution and whether he and Vinícius should press more, particularly when compared with players such as Ousmane Dembélé and Raphinha.

The Frenchman initially responded sarcastically, saying: “If I wanted to answer stupidly, I would tell you that I score more goals than the players you mentioned, and therefore they need to score more to be like me.”

“Every player has his own different characteristics,” he added.

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Mbappé then acknowledged that there was room for improvement in his defensive work.

“But I am intelligent, so I will tell you that I need to improve. However, I don’t like comparisons, because I do many things that others don’t do,” the French star explained.

He added: “We all need to improve, and this is natural for any player. Everyone is different, and we must do things intelligently. I don’t like comparisons, as it is an endless debate. We all need to develop in this respect, as well as when in possession of the ball. This is the nature of life within a team at the highest level.”

The Ballon d’Or was another major topic during the press conference, with Mbappé admitting that playing for Real Madrid naturally puts him in contention for the prestigious individual award.

“When you play for Real Madrid, people associate you with this award. Many people talk to me about the Ballon d’Or, which is a positive thing. I made history this summer, but we’ll see. It’s a good year to achieve it, and in the end it’s up to people to vote,” he said.

Asked if he considers himself the best player in the world, Mbappé responded confidently.

“I always feel that way, but this is very personal. Everyone has their own opinion, some will say yes and others will say no. It’s a debate, and it’s not necessary for everyone to think like me. This year could be a good one to win the Ballon d’Or, but it’s the journalists who vote, and they’re the ones who will choose.”

Mourinho had previously said he would rather see Mbappé score 40 goals and win trophies than score 60 goals without winning titles. The France international disagreed with the premise.

“I would prefer even fewer than that too, even 30 goals. I won’t say this is a debate for people who don’t play football, but it is certainly an absurd debate.”

“If I score 40 goals and we are competing for the league, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, should I stop scoring because if I score more we won’t win?” he added. “Of course I want to win titles, but it isn’t a choice between the two. You have to do both: score goals and win titles.”

Mbappé also reflected on France’s defeat to Spain at the World Cup and whether the disappointment had increased his desire to win the Champions League.

“They are two different matters. Of course, not winning the World Cup was a difficult moment. I think it was a positive experience for us in order to create a bond with the country and the energy that exists around the national team.”

He added: “We won the World Cup once, and we cannot always win however much we want that. After every defeat, you always have greater motivation to win.”

The Real Madrid forward also discussed his tactical development and the differences between his responsibilities with the French national team and at club level.

“I have two different roles with the national team and here. I have to take a step forward. There I am the captain, and here I am not,” Mbappé explained.

He added: “As a player, I want to develop, whether in reading the game or knowing when to attack and when to control, as well as in managing emotions. I have been through different experiences and points of view with many coaches, and that has helped me a lot. There are many matches within a single match.”

Mbappé was eventually asked about Paris Saint-Germain winning the Champions League after his departure from the French club and whether he believed the two developments were connected.

“I can’t change that. I can’t speak in general terms. It doesn’t concern me much. I don’t know everything about football, but I know more than a lot of people. I am calm.”

The Frenchman ended the press conference with a pointed response to the constant scrutiny surrounding his career and performances.

“Sometimes things aren’t analysis, they’re just things that sell, and talking about me sells a lot.”