Kylian Mbappe has faced criticism following his performances in Real Madrid’s last two matches, where the forward failed to make a direct impact on the scoreboard. Amid concerns about his recent dip in form, head coach Carlo Ancelotti addressed the situation with a clear stance.
Mbappe had managed to rediscover his form after a slow start in Spain, scoring 20 goals in 22 games before his influence noticeably declined against Real Betis. When asked about the forward’s situation, Ancelotti was quick to defend his player:
“Against Atletico, he didn’t do what he did against City. Overall, he performs very well, and we’re very happy with him. We must keep in mind that he’s not always at his best. The season is demanding, and it’s normal, especially for quality players—they have more ups and downs, it’s something genetic,” the Italian coach during Saturday’s press conference.
Ancelotti also credited Mbappe as a key factor in Real Madrid’s success in the Champions League knockout stages: “He’s doing very well. If we’re in the Champions League round of 16, it’s largely because of him—he scored four goals in the tie. We are convinced that he’ll contribute even more at this stage of the season.”
While Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat to Real Betis last week at a pivotal moment in the season, they bounced back with a crucial 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. However, Mbappe’s lack of scoring involvement stood out—a rare occurrence for a player known for his game-breaking ability.
see also
Carlo Ancelotti plans to commit future to Real Madrid – But club puts forward an ultimatum: His stay hinges on two conditions
Despite an adjustment period in his debut season at Real Madrid, Mbappe has still produced impressive numbers, recording 27 goals and 4 assists in 40 appearances. While those statistics reflect his status as one of the world’s best players, Ancelotti will expect Mbappe’s influence to grow as the team heads into a decisive stretch of the campaign.
Real Madrid facing a defining week
With the first international break of 2025 approaching at the end of March, Real Madrid faces a pivotal week that could shape their season. On Sunday, Los Blancos will host Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, where they currently sit third and need a win to stay in the title race.
Just days later, they will visit Atletico Madrid for the second leg of the Champions League round of 16. Holding a narrow 2-1 lead, Real Madrid may adopt a more pragmatic approach, knowing that their season could hang in the balance over the course of seven crucial days.
