Carlo Ancelotti believes Kylian Mbappe will soon begin to score.
After Kylian Mbappe’s lackluster home debut in the 3-0 victory against Real Valladolid, Carlo Ancelotti maintains that Real Madrid must be patient with the player.
On his first visit to Santiago Bernabeu following his sensational transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe did not reach the back of the net despite recording a game-high three shots on target and eight touches in the opposition penalty box.
Federico Valverde’s fierce free kick in the 50th minute gave Madrid the lead over Valladolid, and late goals from Brahim Diaz and Endrick came off the bench to complete the triumph.
After Mbappe was replaced in the 86th minute, Ancelotti jumped to the French captain’s defense, saying that the player needs time to get used to his new teammates.
“Mbappe is an incredible striker—he moves very well without the ball and is very quick,” the Italian said to reporters following the game.
He will score in this position, just as he always has. He is not required to play in the center or on the left. He will ultimately score goals. Hold off and observe.
In addition, Ancelotti praised the role his replacements played in helping Madrid earn their first La Liga victory of the new campaign.
“The taste of a win is always good. When we win a game, I have to be happy, taking into account the difficulties we had, especially in the first half when we were slow and soft,” Ancelotti told a press conference on Sunday.
“We were better after the break, with much more mobility and speed in possession. I am very happy for those who come off the bench and take advantage of the few minutes they have.
“Setting the line-up is always complicated, it bothers me, it makes me a bit sad, even though it’s my responsibility. I’m the one who has to choose the 11 players that start the match.
“Bearing in mind that in this period of the season, in the heat, it is expected that players get tired. So, it would be right that when a player is tired, he should raise his hand and ask to be replaced. But in my 40 years in football, it has never happened.
“So, it is up to me, the coach, to pick out the ones I think are tired. I think the players have to be more responsible with that. I say it here because I have said it to them privately. I have a lot of resources to use in this squad.”
