90min

Thibaut Courtois offers Kylian Mbappe advice to overcome Real Madrid struggles

  • Kylian Mbappe has not enjoyed a seamless adaptation to life at Real Madrid
  • Thibaut Courtois also struggled after joining the Spanish giants
  • The experienced goalkeeper had simple but significant advice for his teammate

By Grey Whitebloom

Thibaut Courtois can relate to Kylian Mbappe
Thibaut Courtois can relate to Kylian Mbappe / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages
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Thibaut Courtois has implored his Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappe to focus on the basics to overcome an awkward adaptation process with the Spanish giants.

The towering goalkeeper suffered through his own teething problems after leaving Chelsea to join Madrid in 2018. The former Atletico Madrid shot-stopper had to shed his association with the club's city rivals while vying for position with living legend Keylor Navas.

Mbappe has scored in consecutive matches, including a crisp strike off the base of the post against Getafe on Sunday, but is still searching for his best form. Carlo Ancelotti has repeatedly defended the summer arrival from Paris Saint-Germain and Courtois also lent his support.

"It's similar to what happened to me," the Belgian goalkeeper told MARCA. "The demands of the Bernabeu and Real Madrid are not easy. You know where you're going and what awaits you, but it's not always easy."

Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois struggled in his first few years at Real Madrid / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages

Courtois' advice was simple: less is more. "The more you try, the less you succeed," the 32-year-old noted. "You have to be calm, do the easy things well, and then focus on the difficult things. Once that works, I'm sure the goals will come."

Beyond his efficiency, Mbappe's attitude has also been questioned. Former Barcelona forward Thierry Henry claimed that the English midfielder Jude Bellingham "is doing Mbappe's job" during a scathing review of his compatriot in November.

However, Courtois insisted: "What's happening to him is not due to a lack of professionalism or desire. It's the same thing that happened to me at the beginning. It's not about wanting less or not trying, there are simply times when things don't work out. You need a reference match that marks the turning point, and I'm sure that will happen."

Perhaps that landmark performance will come on Wednesday when Real Madrid travel to the home of Basque giants Athletic Club. Courtois certainly set the bar high. "I hope he scores three goals against Athletic," he grinned.

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