Kylian Mbappe breaks silence on Atletico Madrid defeat and refereeing controversy

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has addressed the club’s disappointing derby defeat to Atletico Madrid, while refusing to dwell on the refereeing controversy that surrounded the encounter.

Mbappe, who has France and Cameroonian roots admitted that losing the Madrid derby was a setback for Real Madrid but insisted that the team must respond positively and remain focused on the long season ahead.

“Losing the derby was a step backwards. It was very difficult,” Mbappe told AS while speaking ahead of an event to sign an agreement with his new sports brand, Swiss company ON.

The France international explained that Real Madrid had been fully aware of the challenge awaiting them but maintained that the players gave everything during the match.

“We wanted to win, and we knew what kind of match awaited us. But the team gave it their all, and we will continue to move forward, because the season is still long, and we must continue on the right path,” he said.

Mbappe was also asked about the refereeing controversy from the derby and whether he believed Real Madrid had been denied the opportunity to compete on equal terms.

However, the French star chose not to criticise the match officials directly, stressing that he has never been a player who regularly discusses refereeing decisions.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been a player who talks much about the referee. And I’m not going to start now. I’m thinking about some things, but I’m keeping them to myself. I’ve never been a player who behaves like that, and I’m not going to start now,” Mbappe said.

He acknowledged that referees, like everyone else, can make mistakes but insisted that he did not want to make the controversy the focus of his comments.

“The referee is human, he makes mistakes, and there have been mistakes, but I don’t want to get into that,” he added.

Instead, Mbappe called on Real Madrid to respond on the pitch by working harder and improving their performances as they attempt to recover from the derby setback.

“We have to work and give more. Others can talk, but we have to give more and work to bring back the enthusiasm and titles to Real Madrid,” he stressed.