Podcast Summary: The Athletic FC Podcast – "Can Mbappe Reach Ronaldo's Levels at Real Madrid?"
Release Date: February 20, 2025
Host: Ayo Akimolere
Guests: Thomas Hill, Lopez Manchero, Guillermo Ray, Tom Williams
Introduction
In this engaging episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Ayo Akimolere delves deep into the performance and potential of Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid, exploring whether the French superstar can reach the legendary heights achieved by Cristiano Ronaldo at the same illustrious club. Joined by analysts Thomas Hill, Lopez Manchero, Real Madrid writer Guillermo Ray, and French football writer Tom Williams, the discussion traverses Mbappe's recent exploits, his adaptation to Madrid's system, and Real Madrid's enduring prowess in the Champions League.
Mbappe's Stellar Performance and Hat Trick [01:47 - 04:10]
The episode kicks off with a highlight of Mbappe's sensational performance against Manchester City, where he scored a hat trick, becoming only the fourth player to achieve a Champions League knockout hat trick for Real Madrid.
Ayo Akimolere remarks:
"With his hat trick, the Frenchman became just the fourth player to score a Champions League knockout hat trick for Madrid, following in the footsteps of, well, you know who." [02:03]
Thomas Hill echoes the sentiment, comparing the moment to Ronaldo's iconic performances:
"That's a perfect hat trick and a perfect bonobo night." [02:05]
This remarkable feat positions Mbappe alongside legends like Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo, signaling his potential to ascend to similar heights within the club.
Comparing Mbappe to Cristiano Ronaldo [04:22 - 05:20]
A pivotal segment of the discussion involves evaluating whether it is fair to compare Mbappe to Ronaldo and if such comparisons pressure the Frenchman to "breathe" and simply enjoy his tenure at Madrid.
Ayo Akimolere poses the question:
"But is it fair to compare him to Cristiano? Can we just let the man breathe at Madrid and just enjoy himself?" [04:41]
Thomas Hill responds thoughtfully:
"I think it is fair. Like you say, it seems a bit unfair because Ronaldo, you know, you're talking about one of the greatest players of all time. But then Mbappe was kind of signed to scale those heights..." [04:41]
He further elaborates on Mbappe's impressive goal tally, noting:
"...Mbappe, I think, is now on 28 goals for the season, just five off Ronaldo's total in his debut campaign with Madrid in 2009-10." [04:55]
Mbappe's Adaptation to Real Madrid [05:20 - 18:59]
The conversation shifts to how Mbappe has adapted to Madrid's style of play, shedding light on his evolution from PSG to Real Madrid and the tactical adjustments made by Carlo Ancelotti.
Guillermo Ray highlights Mbappe's growing leadership:
"He started growing within the squad, and he started growing in confidence as well. And we started to feel like, okay, this guy can become a leader." [03:40]
Tom Williams provides an in-depth analysis:
"We saw against City, first goal, run down the inside right channel to a ball over the top. Second goal, he's out on the left and the ball is worked across to him. Third goal, he pops up on the right, cuts inside, scores with his left foot." [12:14]
He further discusses Mbappe's positional shifts and his newfound comfort in the centre forward role:
"...playing through the middle need not be this kind of constraining responsibility. And actually, as long as the system behind him is, you know, sort of intelligently structured, he can still play with quite a significant degree of freedom." [16:43]
Thomas Hill credits both Ancelotti's tactical acumen and Mbappe's mental resilience:
"Probably credit does have to go to Carlo Ancelotti for finding that space for him, but also to Mbappe from a mental perspective." [17:07]
Technical Analysis of Mbappe's Speed [20:57 - 22:55]
The podcast features insights from Dr. David Lunn, a senior lecturer in sport and exercise biomechanics, discussing Mbappe's exceptional speed and stride mechanics.
Tom Williams elaborates on the biomechanical aspects:
"He achieves this through a claw-like action characterized by strong hip extensions that propel him forwards, which is particularly crucial during the acceleration phase of sprinting." [21:30]
He further assesses whether Mbappe's speed is innate or trained:
"A lot of it is just a natural thing. I think a lot of it is genetic... but I'm sure the coaches that he's worked with have helped him with that." [21:30]
Real Madrid's Champions League Dominance [26:02 - 34:53]
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Real Madrid's formidable record in the Champions League and their strategic mindset under Carlo Ancelotti.
Ayo Akimolere asks:
"Is there now an expectation, as we've seen, or is there an element of inevitability that, you know, in a few months time, Real Madrid will potentially make the final, and we probably know what happens when Madrid get to finals in the Champions League, they will lift that Cup?" [26:23]
Thomas Hill responds by emphasizing Madrid's mental fortitude:
"They just had that ability to stick in games... they just had that elite mentality of the belief that they can just get through anything." [28:09]
He also touches upon the influence of seasoned players and the club's protective environment:
"...Ancelotti after that first leg in Manchester says that this is where our season starts for real." [29:37]
Guillermo Ray adds:
"The work has been what they've improved most and is what made them real characters inside the dressing room." [27:45]
Real Madrid's Team Dynamics and Environment [30:12 - 32:31]
The discussion highlights how Real Madrid fosters an environment that balances individual freedom with collective responsibility, crucial for their sustained success.
Charlotte Harper interviews Rafael Varane, shedding light on the club's supportive atmosphere:
"It's the club where there's undoubtedly the most pressure, but whether it's the coach or the way the club handles difficult situations, it's really a protection against that pressure." [30:12]
Thomas Hill affirms:
"Real Madrid do tend to protect their players from that, it seems, and that probably is a large part of their success." [31:15]
This protective culture allows players like Mbappe to thrive without succumbing to external pressures.
Future Prospects and Closing Remarks [32:59 - 35:31]
As the podcast nears its conclusion, the hosts speculate on Real Madrid's upcoming Champions League fixtures and the potential challenges they might face.
Thomas Hill expresses a preference for a Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid showdown:
"There's just so much history there between them... that would be a really fascinating tie, particularly, you know, over two legs at the Bernabeu and then their Metropolitano stadium." [34:13]
The episode wraps up with a preview of future discussions, emphasizing Real Madrid's strategic positioning for continued success in the Champions League.
Notable Quotes
- Ayo Akimolere: "Can Mbappe reach Cristiano's levels at Real Madrid?" [02:10]
- Thomas Hill: "Mbappe's goal scoring is the best in the world." [08:27]
- Tom Williams: "He can still play with quite a significant degree of freedom." [16:43]
- Guillermo Ray: "Yesterday did that. It was what Real Madrid needed at that moment." [07:03]
Conclusion
This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of Kylian Mbappe's integration into Real Madrid's squad, drawing parallels to Cristiano Ronaldo's illustrious career at the club. Through expert insights and in-depth discussions, the podcast underscores Mbappe's potential to not only emulate but perhaps even surpass the feats of his predecessors. Additionally, it highlights Real Madrid's unparalleled Champions League legacy, rooted in a blend of tactical brilliance, player empowerment, and a steadfast winning mentality.
For listeners seeking a detailed exploration of Mbappe's trajectory at Real Madrid and the club's Champions League aspirations, this episode is an indispensable resource.