Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has attributed Kylian Mbappé’s underwhelming form this season to the team’s overall inconsistency, urging a collective improvement across the squad.
Speaking on Saturday, Ancelotti addressed criticisms surrounding the French forward, who has scored only two goals in his last nine matches and missed a crucial penalty in Wednesday’s Champions League defeat to Liverpool. The loss marked Madrid’s third in five group-stage matches this season.
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“It’s not about one player; the real issue is that the team as a whole has failed to be consistent,” Ancelotti said. “Mbappé is new here and still adapting, but he has already scored eight goals and contributed with assists. Yes, he can improve, but so can all of us, and we will continue to push for improvement.”
Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid this summer from Paris Saint-Germain, has faced mounting pressure both on and off the pitch, including being left out of France’s last two squad selections. Despite the challenges, Ancelotti dismissed concerns over the player’s morale.
“He’s certainly not discouraged. He knows he has room for improvement, just like the rest of us,” the Italian coach noted. “After missing the penalty in the Liverpool game, he has been under intense scrutiny, but he is not alone in facing criticism.”
Ancelotti also pointed to injuries to key players, such as Vinicius Junior, Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militao, as contributing factors to the team’s struggles. However, he expressed optimism with Brazilian winger Rodrygo expected to return for their upcoming La Liga clash against Getafe.
Real Madrid currently sit second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona but with a game in hand. Reflecting on the team’s situation, Ancelotti said, “I’m in the same situation as Mbappé, trying to give my best performance. I’m not happy with where we are, but I’m confident we’ll resolve it, just like we always do.”
