Mbappé spoke privately with Konaté about what happened in the match: “You have…”
The French star privately told Konaté that Real Madrid’s loss was deserved after being outplayed at Anfield.
After Real Madrid’s 1–0 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield, Kylian Mbappé had a candid conversation with his compatriot and friend, Ibrahima Konaté. The Madrid forward, who failed to make an impact in the match, showed rare humility as he admitted Liverpool’s dominance. “You controlled the game and created a lot of danger — the defeat is deserved,” Mbappé reportedly told the Liverpool defender.
The scoreline may suggest a close contest, but the reality was different. Arne Slot’s side created several clear chances, only to be denied by an outstanding Thibaut Courtois, whose saves kept Real Madrid in the game. The Belgian goalkeeper once again proved why many consider him one of the greatest in the club’s history.
Liverpool were the superior team throughout, with Konaté standing out in particular. Despite a difficult season so far, the French center-back delivered a commanding performance full of authority and composure. Within Madrid’s camp, some were even impressed by his display — a reminder that Konaté remains on the radar as a potential future signing for Los Blancos.
Calls for More from Mbappé
Real Madrid fans have every reason to expect more from Mbappé. While his overall form has been good since joining, his performance at Anfield fell well short of expectations. Unlike in previous high-stakes games, he posed little threat to the opposing defense. Vinícius Junior, though often frustrated by Bradley on the wing, at least continued to push forward and take risks. Bellingham, meanwhile, faded as the match went on after a solid first half.
A Moment for Self-Reflection
Within the club, key figures acknowledge that this is a time for reflection rather than panic. Confidence in Xabi Alonso’s project remains intact — the season is still young, and there’s room for improvement. However, the manner of the defeat at Anfield has raised questions about Real Madrid’s true level. Domestically, they look strong; in Europe, they still seem to lack a decisive edge.
Making firm judgments now would be premature. There’s time to adjust and grow, but Xabi Alonso’s task is clear: find the formula that restores balance and intensity to his team. Attention now turns to the next challenge — a tricky away match against Rayo Vallecano at Vallecas this weekend.
