Star striker Kylian Mbappe is “not anxious” as Real Madrid begins their bid for the UEFA Champions League (UCL) title.

This is according to head coach Xabi Alonso, who spoke ahead of Los Blancos’ opening UCL match against Marseille, which takes place tonight, Tuesday 16 September, at Real’s home turf of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain.

“[Mbappe is] not anxious,” Alonso divulged to reporters at a pre-match conference held in nearby Valdebebas. “We all feel this is a project that’s just starting.”

He continued: “One of the objectives is to win the Champions League, hopefully sooner rather than later. Kylian is part of the path to getting there, but I don’t think he’s anxious.”

Despite the numerous accolades he’s earned, Mbappe has yet to lift the coveted UCL trophy. In 2024, following the 26-year-old French superstar’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain to join the Spanish club, his former team went on to win the prestigious European tournament.

Alonso is adamant that Mbappe and the rest of his men are focused on the here and now, starting with Marseille.

“The guys are eager to keep making progress, to keep growing and to face tough, top-level opposition,” he said. “We’re up against a very good team, and we hope to start strongly.”

Image Credit: Source