Mbappe Not 'Sunken' Despite Struggles, Says Real Madrid Coach Ancelotti

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has defended Kylian Mbappe amid concerns over his form and off-field issues, saying the French forward is 'not sunken'.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged that star forward Kylian Mbappe has not been performing at his best this season. However, Ancelotti attributed Mbappe's struggles to the team's overall inconsistency, rather than any individual shortcomings.

Mbappe's lack of form was evident in Real Madrid's recent Champions League loss to Liverpool, where he missed a crucial penalty. The defeat marked the team's third loss in five Champions League matches, highlighting their inconsistent performance in the competition.

Kylian Mbappe's underwhelming start to his Real Madrid career has sparked criticism, with the French forward managing just two goals in his last nine games for the club. Mbappe joined Real Madrid in the summer after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has come to Mbappe's defense, suggesting that the player's struggles are reflective of the team's overall performance. “Mbappe's problem is the problem that we all have,” Ancelotti explained in a news conference ahead of Sunday's La Liga match against Getafe. “The idea is to try to give our best version, not just of him but myself, other players.”

“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 (Mbappe) 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.”

Kylian Mbappe has faced a challenging start to his Real Madrid career, both on and off the pitch. The French forward was omitted from the last two France squad lists and has had to deal with personal issues during his initial months at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his support for Mbappe, dismissing concerns that the player is struggling with his form. “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,” Ancelotti explained.

Ancelotti attributed the team's recent defeat to Liverpool partly to the absence of key players due to injury, including Vinicius Junior, Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militao. However, the coach confirmed that Brazilian winger Rodrygo is fit to face Getafe in their upcoming La Liga match. Real Madrid currently trails league leaders Barcelona by four points, although they have played one fewer game.

“I am like Mbappe, I am trying to give my best version,” said Ancelotti.

“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.”