In a show of unwavering support, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has backed star forward Kylian Mbappé to end his recent goal drought, starting with the club’s return to LaLiga action against Leganés on Sunday. The French international has struggled to find the net in recent matches, scoring just once in his last seven appearances for Los Blancos.
Ancelotti’s Confidence in Mbappé
Despite the 23-year-old’s dip in form, Ancelotti remains confident that Mbappé will soon rediscover his goal-scoring touch. In a press conference ahead of the Leganés match, the Italian tactician praised the forward’s training performances and overall quality.
“[Mbappé] has had the chance to train, and he’s trained well,” Ancelotti stated. “His condition has improved, and let’s hope tomorrow he can show all his qualities, which are a lot.”
Adapting to Life at Real Madrid
Since joining Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain in a blockbuster transfer last summer, Mbappé has faced the challenge of adapting to a new team and playing style. While he started the season brightly, scoring six goals in his first five matches, the Frenchman has since struggled to maintain that blistering pace.
However, Ancelotti dismissed suggestions that Mbappé requires extra training to adjust his movements and positioning, emphasizing the forward’s natural ability and understanding of the game.
“Does Mbappé need offensive work? I don’t think so. I’m not going to show him! He can show me how a forward should work.”
Positional Flexibility and Teammate Synergy
One of the key aspects of Mbappé’s game that has come under scrutiny is his positioning, with some suggesting he should play on the left wing rather than through the middle. However, Ancelotti revealed that the Frenchman has never requested a specific position and is comfortable switching roles with fellow forward Vinícius Júnior depending on the situation.
“Kylian has never asked me to play in a certain position on the pitch,” Ancelotti clarified. “He and Vinícius [Junior] don’t have fixed positions on the pitch, they can switch position depending on the circumstances in the game.”
A Matter of Time
Ancelotti also pointed out that even the greatest forwards experience goal droughts, and it’s only a matter of time before Mbappé finds his scoring boots again. The manager highlighted the player’s positive attitude and strong work ethic in training as reasons to believe he’ll soon be back among the goals.
“Every great forward has had a bad run, there are moments when they aren’t scoring. [Mbappé] looks motivated, and happy in training with his teammates, I only see that. The run will end sooner or later, I’m convinced he’ll have a good game tomorrow, it’s just a matter of time.”
Defensive Concerns and Tactical Adjustments
While much of the focus has been on Mbappé’s form, Real Madrid also face defensive concerns ahead of the Leganés match. With right-backs Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vázquez sidelined by injuries, Ancelotti must find a suitable replacement. The manager hinted at the possibility of deploying midfielder Federico Valverde in the role but remained tight-lipped about his final decision.
“It’s an option,” Ancelotti said of using Valverde at right-back. “We’ve tried different options during the break, and tomorrow I’ll try to choose the best option possible for the team.”
The Road Ahead
As Real Madrid prepare for a crucial stage of the season, with a Champions League tie against Liverpool looming just three days after the Leganés clash, Ancelotti will be hoping that Mbappé can rediscover his goal-scoring form and help propel the team to success both domestically and in Europe.
With the manager’s backing and the support of his teammates, Mbappé has all the tools necessary to overcome this temporary setback and reassert himself as one of the world’s most lethal forwards. As Ancelotti said, it’s only a matter of time before the goals start flowing again for the French superstar.
