Kylian Mbappe ‘Not Anxious’ About Ending UCL Drought, Says Real Madrid Boss Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe with Xabi Alonso in training (X)

Pressure? What pressure?

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso insisted on Monday that Kylian Mbappé felt no anxiety about winning the UEFA Champions League for the first time as Los Blancos prepared to host Marseille in their opening group-stage match.

Mbappé, 26, swapped Paris Saint-Germain for Madrid last summer, only to see his former club lift the trophy for the first time in their history.

The French striker now carries the weight of expectation at a club that has won a record 15 European Cups.

“He’s not anxious, we all feel this is a project that’s just starting,” Alonso told reporters at Valdebebas.

“One of the objectives is to win the Champions League, hopefully sooner rather than later. Kylian is part of the path to getting there, but I don’t think he’s anxious. Today we spoke about what the Champions League means, but we were not talking about May (the final), we were talking about the near future.”

Mbappé’s Start This Season and Leadership

Mbappé endured a frustrating Club World Cup this summer, when Madrid were beaten 4-0 by PSG in the semi-finals. He was not fully fit at the time, struggling with gastroenteritis.

“Gastroenteritis meant it was Kylian ‘lite’ at the Club World Cup,” Alonso said.

The striker has since rebounded in La Liga, scoring four goals in four matches, and Alonso emphasized his importance to the dressing room.

“Without doubt, he’s a leader—for his personality, experience, and the influence he has on others,” the coach added.

Bellingham and Camavinga Return

Alonso also named Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga in his matchday squad, with both returning ahead of schedule.

Bellingham, who underwent shoulder surgery in July, had initially been expected to miss the opening weeks of the season. The 21-year-old dislocated his shoulder in 2023 and struggled with recurring issues.

Alonso underlined Madrid’s tradition in the competition but said it added inspiration rather than burden.

“It’s a fact, unquestionable, an honour, a motivation, and it is a responsibility you live with and enjoy,” he said. “It’s a privilege.”

(with AFP inputs)