Ancelotti denies Madrid’s struggles down to Mbappe form

Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed the idea that Kylian Mbappe’s recent performances are the root cause of Real Madrid’s challenges this season.

Mbappe has found the net only twice in his last nine matches for Madrid, a stretch during which the team has suffered defeats to Lille, Barcelona, AC Milan, and Liverpool.

The French forward has faced heightened criticism, particularly after missing a vital penalty in Real Madrid’s 2-0 Champions League loss to Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday.

“Mbappe’s problem is the same as for all of us,” Ancelotti explained during a press conference on Saturday, ahead of Madrid’s LaLiga clash with Getafe.

“The idea is to try to find the best version of ourselves: from him, from myself, from the other players.

“We don’t consider it an individual problem for a player who, among other things, is new here, is adapting, has scored eight goals, and has participated in our attacking game with assists. We can all do better.”

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Despite their struggles, Real Madrid remain in contention near the top of LaLiga, trailing league leaders Barcelona by four points.

With a game in hand, Madrid still have opportunities to close the gap.

Ancelotti added: “[Mbappe] isn’t depressed, he’s aware that he has to do better. Many of my players have missed penalties.

“We have to continue to support and help. It’s a collective problem and not an individual one.

“I’m like Mbappé. I am giving everything to get the best version of myself.

“The results say that I haven’t been able to find the best version of myself. I’m not happy, but I am convinced that we are going to fix it.”