Carlo Ancelotti gives blunt response to Kylian Mbappe criticism
Carlo Ancelotti says Kylian Mbappe is still adapting to life at Real Madrid and fans should not be worried about the France captain’s start to life in Spain.
The former Paris Saint-Germain forward opened his account for his new club during the UEFA Super Cup triumph over Atalanta but is yet to score another goal, blanking against Mallorca and most recently Real Valladolid.
Mbappe is regarded as one of the most lethal finishers in the modern game and, after scoring 44 goals in all competitions last season, will almost certainly start hitting the back of the net for his new club sooner rather than later.
Ancelotti said as much during a press conference before Madrid’s clash with Las Palmas on Thursday, insisting neither he nor the player are worried about a potential goal drought manifesting.
The Italian said: „Each year the team changes, the structure of the team changes, that’s quite normal.
„Last year we needed time too. Early on, we won a lot of games in the last few minutes. We have to adjust the team a bit this year and find its best version.
„We’ve got a lot of resources. We’ve had three games and scored six goals, with the team not being at its best. Not scoring goals won’t happen, it’s never happened here.
„The last goal Mbappe scored was 14 August [in the Supercup] and today is 28 August. That’s two weeks. It isn’t the time to worry. He isn’t worried, and neither are we. Vinicius [Junior] hasn’t scored in three games, and he doesn’t look worried.
„What we need is a compact team. The work of the forwards is important, and of the defenders. If a forward presses and the defence doesn’t step up, the team isn’t compact. If the defence drops deep and the forward doesn’t drop, the team isn’t compact. It isn’t about individuals.“
Mbappe is yet to score in two La Liga games so far but can get off the mark at Estadio de Gran Canaria on Thursday night when his side take on a Las Palmas side without a win so far this season.