Mbappe talks Vinicius partnership, Mourinho, Ballon d’Or ahead of Real Madrid vs Inter

Mbappe talks Vinicius partnership, Mourinho, Ballon d’Or ahead of Real Madrid vs Inter Kylian Mbappe has dismissed suggestions of tension with Vinicius Jr. while insisting Real Madrid’s priority must remain the same: winning trophies. The French forward spoke ahead of Madrid’s Champions League opener against Inter Milan , with plenty of attention surrounding his partnership with Vinicius, his Ballon d’Or hopes and the expectations that have followed Jose Mourinho’s return. Mbappe made it clear that he has little interest in outside speculation about his relationship with his fellow forward. Instead, he believes both players are focused on delivering silverware for Real Madrid. “It’s just one of the millions of opinions out there about Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world. I can’t control everything that’s said. “We have the same goal, which is to win trophies. And we can’t control what people think. We listen, we try to improve and move forward.” Mbappe refuses to isolate Vinicius The discussion around Madrid’s attack has intensified as Mourinho looks to find the right balance between his biggest attacking stars.  Mbappe, however, rejected the idea that individual players should become the focus when the team still has plenty of room for improvement. Mbappe refused to call out Vinicius Jr. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) “I’m not one for singling out players from the squad. People like that, and so does the press – and it’s only natural, because that’s what sells.  “I don’t know about you, but I think about the team, about how we can improve. And win trophies.” Mbappe also accepted that his defensive contribution can improve, refusing to point the finger at Vinicius alone.  “Of course we need to improve. But that’s only natural… We all need to improve in this area. And with the ball, too.” Ballon d’Or talk takes centre stage Mbappe was also asked whether he considers himself the world’s best player and whether he deserves the Ballon d’Or.  His confidence was unmistakable, although he stressed that the final decision belongs to the voters. “I always do, but it’s a very personal thing. Everyone has their own opinion. Some will think so, others won’t. It’s a debate… not everyone has to think the same way I do. “This year might be a good one to win the Ballon d’Or, but it’s the journalists who vote, and it’s up to them to decide.” The forward also played down the idea that he owes Madrid after two trophy-less seasons, saying his focus is firmly on the matches ahead. “I’m only thinking about the upcoming matches. My experience tells me that this is a long process, that every day… well, you have to think about how to help the team. And that’s it for now.”  Mbappe is not focused on Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) Mourinho and Mbappe want the same thing Mbappe welcomed Mourinho’s winning mentality and agreed with his manager’s insistence that goals must ultimately lead to trophies.  The Frenchman even joked that he would happily accept fewer goals if they came alongside success. “And I’d settle for fewer, too. Even 30. I’m not going to say it’s a debate for people who don’t play football, but it is an absurd one. “If I score 40 and we’re in the running for the league, the Champions League, the Cup… should I stop scoring because if I score too many… won’t we win? “Of course I want to win titles, but it’s not a question of choosing. You have to do both. Score goals and win trophies.” Mbappe also dismissed concerns over the atmosphere inside the Madrid dressing room, insisting the group remains calm despite the scrutiny surrounding the club. “I think there’s always been a good atmosphere and that we need to improve certain things, of course, such as scoring more goals. But we’re fine, we’re relaxed.” The final question concerned leadership and whether Mbappe feels he must take on more responsibility at Real Madrid.  “I’m in two different contexts: the national team and Real Madrid. Of course, in each context I have to step up, but with the national team I’m the captain, and here I’m not. But I want to improve as a player.” He drew a distinction between his role with France, where he is captain, and his position in Madrid, but made clear that he wants to keep developing his influence. “And not just for France or for Real Madrid, but because I want to have a feel for the moment in the game.  “I’ve had many different managers, and that’s helped me a lot to see how we can adapt to every situation,” he concluded.  Source: AS