What Carlo Ancelotti said about Kylian Mbappé's failure at Real Madrid
The Real Madrid coach backs his star forward as he adapts to life in Spain.
As Real Madrid navigates a challenging season, Carlo Ancelotti has remained a steadfast supporter of his players. With the November international break now over and the festive fixture schedule approaching, Ancelotti is turning his focus to ensuring his squad is unified and confident—especially as questions swirl around Kylian Mbappé.
Adapting to a Star-Studded Squad
Mbappé’s transition to Real Madrid has been met with scrutiny. Joining a lineup already brimming with talent like Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham has posed challenges for the French international. Media outlets have dissected his inconsistent performances, leading to speculation about his fit within the team. However, Ancelotti has been quick to dismiss these narratives, insisting that Mbappé is settling in well.
During a press conference ahead of Sunday’s La Liga clash with Leganés, Ancelotti addressed a question about Mbappé’s mental well-being. Clearly taken aback, the Italian coach responded:“¡Qué pregunta! I don’t see any signs that he has mental health issues. He seems to be enjoying his time here. If he’s struggling, he’s not showing it. Speculating about such matters is, frankly, in poor taste.”
National Team Absence Sparks Debate
Mbappé’s absence from France’s recent international fixtures raised eyebrows. While concerns about his physical condition surfaced, French coach Didier Deschamps clarified that the decision was tactical rather than injury-related. The unusual move left fans and pundits pondering Mbappé’s roles in both club and national setups. Ancelotti, however, brushed aside the conjecture, focusing on the forward’s commitment and potential.
“Every player faces challenges, and top strikers are no exception,” Ancelotti stated. “What matters is that he’s motivated and appears happy. That’s what counts.”
Optimism for the FutureDespite the scrutiny, Ancelotti remains optimistic about Mbappé’s trajectory at Real Madrid. He hinted that the upcoming match could be a turning point for the 24-year-old forward:“I’m confident he’ll deliver an outstanding performance tomorrow, and all this speculation will fade away. His talent is undeniable; it’s just a matter of time before he finds his rhythm.”
- Integration Challenges: Mbappé is navigating his role in a star-studded lineup alongside Vinícius Jr. and Bellingham.
- Mental Health Speculation: Ancelotti strongly dismissed questions about Mbappé’s mental well-being, calling such inquiries “in poor taste.”
- National Team Dynamics: Didier Deschamps’ tactical decision to omit Mbappé from recent matches has fueled debate, but Ancelotti emphasized that the player is motivated and focused.
- Faith in Mbappé: The coach is confident that the French star will soon find his stride and silence critics.
With Ancelotti’s unwavering support, Real Madrid fans can look forward to seeing Mbappé reach his full potential as the season progresses.