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Mbappé Calls Derby Defeat 'A Step Backwards' and Keeps Referee Criticism Private

The remark shifts pressure onto Real Madrid to improve on the pitch as Mbappé prepares for France's new chapter under Zinedine Zidane.

Overview

  • Real Madrid lost 2-1 to Atlético Madrid in the Madrid derby, a result Mbappé described as "a step backwards" after a heated match with several contentious refereeing decisions.
  • Mbappé said he has private views on the referee but will not publicly criticise officials, stressing that blaming referees is not his approach.
  • He urged teammates to respond through work and self-criticism on the field, calling for more effort to restore fans' excitement and win trophies.
  • Mbappé also discussed France's new era under Zinedine Zidane and recalled Zidane bringing him to Real Madrid as a teenager, framing the appointment as a fresh chapter.
  • On Monday, Mbappé said he is "at peace" with the Ballon d'Or process and will wait for the outcome after saying he has done all he can to make his case.