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Ancelotti attributes Mbappé’s struggles to Real Madrid’s inconsistency

Messenger Sports

Published: 16:05, 1 December 2024

Ancelotti attributes Mbappé’s struggles to Real Madrid’s inconsistency

Photo: Collected 

The French striker, who joined Madrid in the summer following the expiration of his Paris Saint-Germain contract, has faced criticism for his recent performances, managing just two goals in his last nine appearances. Mbappé's missed penalty during Real Madrid's 1-0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday compounded the scrutiny, as it marked their third loss in five matches in the competition.

"Mbappé's problem is the problem that we all have. The idea is to try to give our best version, not just of him but myself, other players," Ancelotti stated during a press conference ahead of Sunday's La Liga encounter with Getafe.

"It's not a problem about one player, the problem that we have is one of a team that has not been capable of being consistent. It's not a problem about one player.

"We have to try and improve that, do everything we can... among other things (Mbappé) is new here and adapting, among other things he's scored eight goals and has participated in attack, giving assists. "Yes he can play better, but we can all do better and we will try to."

The forward has also faced challenges off the pitch and has not been called up to the France squad in their last two selections. Ancelotti, however, downplayed concerns about Mbappé's mental state.

"He is absolutely not sunken, he knows he has to improve like we all do... he's being scrutinised after the Liverpool game because he missed a penalty, like many of my players have," said the Italian manager.

Ancelotti attributed the Liverpool defeat partly to injuries, with key players such as Vinícius Júnior, Dani Carvajal, and Éder Militão unavailable, although he confirmed that Brazilian winger Rodrygo is fit to face Getafe. Currently second in La Liga, Real Madrid trail leaders Barcelona by four points but have a game in hand.

"I am like Mbappé, I am trying to give my best version," Ancelotti admitted. "Results say that I have not been capable of doing that. I'm not happy... but I'm convinced we will fix it, like we always fix it."

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