Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has come to the defense of Kylian Mbappe, following the French striker’s struggles in both club and international football. Despite being sidelined from the French squad for the upcoming Nations League matches and facing ongoing challenges, Ancelotti insists that Mbappe remains motivated and focused ahead of Saturday's Liga match against Osasuna.
Mbappe, who has been embroiled in a sexual assault investigation in Sweden, has found it difficult to adapt to the high expectations at Real Madrid. His recent form has been under scrutiny, with the 25-year-old's struggles mirrored by the team’s disappointing results.
Real Madrid suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat against Barcelona in the last Clasico and have now fallen nine points behind their arch-rivals in La Liga. Adding to their woes, the team lost 3-1 at home to AC Milan on Tuesday, marking a second consecutive defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ancelotti acknowledged the tough period for Mbappe, but emphasized that the issues affecting him are shared by the entire team. "Mbappe is down but not out," the Italian coach remarked. "The problem he's having is everyone's problem. We haven't hit our stride yet. But I'm convinced Mbappe is going to get through this difficult moment."
The manager also pointed out that other key players, including Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham, are also facing tough times. "It is a difficult moment for everyone," Ancelotti stated. "You can't let your head drop. You have to hold it high."
On Mbappe’s exclusion from France's squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, Ancelotti declined to comment on the decision, maintaining that it was the choice of national team coach Didier Deschamps. "It is a decision of the national team coach and I do not have the right to judge it. I do not allow myself to do so," Ancelotti said.
France is set to face Israel at the Stade de France on November 14, followed by a match against Italy in Milan three days later.
