Carlo Ancelotti insists Kylian Mbappe 'not worried' after slow to start to La Liga campaign for new Real Madrid star
Published 28/08/2024 at 18:06 GMT+1
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says his side "have to adjust" after some fans criticised the work-rate of their stellar attacking lineup, including summer signing Kylian Mbappe. The French star has failed to score in either of his first two matches in La Liga, with Madrid struggling in front of goal. Ballon d'Or favourite Vinicius Jr. is also yet to find the target this season.
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Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has admitted his side "have to adjust" to summer signing Kylian Mbappe, but said neither he nor the French striker were worried about their slow start in La Liga.
Mbappe scored on his competitive debut for the club in their 2-0 UEFA Super Cup win over Atalanta in August, but has failed to find the back of the net in the club's opening two league games.
After struggling to make an impact in a 1-1 draw against Mallorca, Mbappe was withdrawn five minutes from time with Madrid holding a slender 1-0 lead against Real Valladolid on Sunday.
Brahim Diaz then promptly doubled Los Blancos' lead after the French striker's withdrawal, while his replacement Endrick went on to make it 3-0 with a debut goal.
But manager Ancelotti has little concern over the forward's limited early impact at his new club.
"The last goal Mbappe scored was August 14 [in the Super Cup] and today is August 28," the Italian said in a news conference on Wednesday, ahead of Madrid's next Liga game at Las Palmas.
"That's two weeks. It isn't the time to worry. He isn't worried, and neither are we. Vinicius hasn't scored in three games, and he doesn't look worried."
Beyond Mbappe's stuttering start, some fans have also criticised the work-rate of the side's stellar attacking lineup.
And while Ancelotti admitted his men would need time to adapt to a new-look squad, especially in front of goal, he seemed typically unconcerned over the European champions' slow start in Spain.
"Each year the team changes, the structure of the team changes, that's quite normal," Ancelotti added.
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"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."
The Italian manager also took the pressure off the individual talents that make up his Galactico-packed side.
"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," he added. "It isn't about individuals."
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