Konate says Mbappe responded positively after Ballon d’Or disappointment

Ibrahima Konate says Kylian Mbappe responded to missing out on the Ballon d’Or by returning to training the following day with full focus and enthusiasm.

The Real Madrid defender acknowledged that the result had been difficult for his team-mate, but said Mbappe’s mindset had helped him deal with the disappointment and continue working at the highest level.

Speaking to media in the mixed zone after France’s first training session ahead of Thursday’s match against Italy in Milan, Konate was asked about Mbappe’s mental and physical condition following the Ballon d’Or result.

“Kylian has an excellent mentality, as he has shown in the last few matches, in which he played a decisive role,” Konate said, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

“He is a hugely important player for us in Madrid. He is naturally a competitor, so not winning the Ballon d’Or, despite deserving it, is certainly difficult. But he returned to training the next day fully ready and motivated.

“I hope he is at his best next year so that he can lift the award.”

Konate also rejected the suggestion that his recent performances represented an improvement in form, insisting that he had been playing at the same level since the beginning of the season.

The France defender said he had started the campaign in good condition after overcoming the difficult circumstances he experienced last season. Those challenges included the death of his father and the death of his former Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota in a road accident, in which Jota’s brother also died.

“I am not improving at the moment; I have been at this level since the start of the season,” Konate said.

“All the criticism I received last year, even though the personal circumstances away from football were not always mentioned, showed how strong I am mentally.”

Konate’s comments came as France prepared for their meeting with Italy in Milan. The defender used the occasion to underline both Mbappe’s importance to Real Madrid and the forward’s determination to respond to setbacks on the pitch.