'Not the best start' - Kylian Mbappe gives brutally honest assessment of Real Madrid form as superstar sends out defiant message to critics

The France captain's form has come under scrutiny ever since he completed the much-hyped dream move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid. The experiment of deploying Mbappe in a central role in the attack has somewhat failed as the 25-year-old has not lived up to expectations despite scoring nine La Liga goals in 15 appearances.

The former PSG star has now opened up about his disappointing form at the Spanish capital while admitting he did not have the best of starts. The player, however, vowed to regain his form soon as he expects Los Blancos to be a totally different unit in the second half of the 2024/25 campaign and win major trophies.

In an interview with RMC Sport, the French star said: "We're here. It's not the best start to the season, but we're preparing for the trophies that will count. We've already won the European Super Cup. It's not up to what we expected, but at Real, we wait in the second half of the season. That's where you'll be judged.

"If you're a star, people talk about you if you don't talk. That's why I'm talking today. Every day, there's something, even though I haven't done any interviews. I don't talk. I think it comes from the fact that we have to talk about Kylian at all costs. This is the first time I've left France. Now, I'm not here anymore.

"[At Madrid] You discover a new context, a new club, climate, environment. You open all your senses. It's more about observation. I'm going to succeed here."

After a disappointing defeat against Athletic Club, Carlo Ancelotti's side bounced back on Saturday as they thrashed Girona 3-0 riding on Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler's strikes. They will now face Atalanta in a decisive Champions League clash on Tuesday night.