The French star has faced challenges settling at Los Blancos, with Ancelotti addressing the collective responsibility for his performance.
What’s Happening?
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has labeled Kylian Mbappé as “everyone’s problem,” reflecting on the forward’s underwhelming start since his high-profile summer move from Paris Saint-Germain. Despite joining an attack featuring Vinícius Junior and Jude Bellingham, Mbappé has struggled to consistently deliver in both La Liga and the Champions League.
The 24-year-old showed flashes of brilliance, scoring in a 3-0 victory over Leganés and netting against Getafe, but his performances have yet to meet the lofty expectations of Real Madrid fans.
Ancelotti’s Take
Speaking after the Getafe match, Ancelotti emphasized that Mbappé’s form reflects a broader issue within the squad:
“His [Mbappé’s] problem is everyone’s problem. It’s not just about one player but a team that has lacked continuity and hasn’t reached its full potential. We must all improve: him, me, and the entire team.”
Ancelotti explained that Mbappé is still adapting to his new environment and has contributed with goals and assists, but acknowledged there’s room for improvement:
“He knows he has to do better, and he will. The missed penalty against Liverpool shifted the focus onto him, but this is a collective issue. Many players have missed penalties; it’s part of football.”
The Bigger Picture
Ancelotti also highlighted the challenges of integrating Mbappé with Vinícius Junior, noting the difficulty in defining their roles within Madrid’s attack. While the manager tried playing Mbappé on the left wing against Leganés with some success, the chemistry between the players remains a work in progress.
The Italian manager took accountability, comparing his own struggles to that of the squad:
“I’m like Mbappé. I’m trying to find my best version, and I’m not satisfied with the results. But I’m confident we’ll fix it, as we always do.”
What’s Next?
Real Madrid will look to bounce back and build momentum when they face Athletic Club in La Liga on Wednesday. Ancelotti and the team aim to address the collective issues holding them back as they remain behind Barcelona in the league standings.
Did You Know?
Mbappé joined Real Madrid with immense fanfare, leaving PSG after a stellar career that included four Ligue 1 titles and multiple individual accolades. However, adapting to the demands of La Liga and integrating into Madrid’s high-pressure system has proven more challenging than expected.
SOURCE: 90min.com