Real begin Champions League bid with Mbappe under the spotlight

Real Madrid begin their bid for a record-extending 16th European Cup on Tuesday at home to Olympique de Marseille with coach Xabi Alonso insisting Kylian Mbappe is not impatient to win the trophy and is valued as one of the leaders in the team.

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The 26-year-old striker, who helped France lift the 2018 World Cup and reach the 2022 final, has won seven Ligue I titles and multiple individual accolades but is still chasing an elusive Champions League crown.

Mbappe moved to Madrid from Paris St Germain last year and saw his former club finally claim their first European Cup while Real fell short in their Champions League title defence after being knocked out in the quarterfinals by Arsenal.

“Kylian is part of the journey, but I don't see him as impatient. Today we talked about what the Champions League means, but we didn't talk about May (when PSG won), we talked about today,” Alonso told reporters on Monday.

“We see a project that’s just beginning. One of the objectives is to win the Champions League sooner rather than later.”

Asked if Mbappe was a leader within the group, Alonso said, “Without a doubt. Because of his personality, his experience ... He’s one of them. When that group comes together, you know who you have to follow. Kylian is one of them.