Ancelotti identifies Mbappe as Real Madrid's BIGGEST problem

Cameron Smith

4 Nov 2024 04:05 CST
3 min read

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Carlo Ancelotti has identified Kylian Mbappe’s lack of defensive effort as Real Madrid’s biggest issue, according to reports in Spain.

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The France superstar joined Los Blancos on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in July, but he has been heavily criticised since moving to the Spanish capital.

Mbappe has registered eight goals and two assists in just 14 games for Real Madrid, however three of those goals have come from the penalty spot, while his all-round game has been widely slammed.

The 25-year-old has been overshadowed by Vinicius Junior since joining Los Blancos and Real Madrid have seemingly regressed following his arrival.

The addition of Mbappe has forced Ancelotti to deploy Jude Bellingham in a deeper midfield role, with the England international used in the position previously occupied by the now-retired Toni Kroos.

Despite the Galactico signing of Mbappe and the attacking riches at Ancelotti’s disposal, Real Madrid have endured a tricky start to the 2024-25 campaign, culminating in a 4-0 defeat to Barcelona.

Los Blancos are already nine points behind their El Clasico rivals in La Liga and Ancelotti has launched an investigation into why his side have dropped off this campaign, as per Spanish outlet Relevo.

In fact, the legendary Real Madrid boss has identified Mbappe’s lack of defensive work-rate as the key reason behind the Spanish giants’ poor form, according to the report.

Mbappe reportedly only ran eight kilometres during the aforementioned loss to Barcelona and with a passenger out of possession, Real Madrid are struggling to organise a coherent pressing system.

© IMAGO - Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid in July

Thierry Henry on Kylian Mbappe

In late October, former Arsenal and Barcelona forward Thierry Henry sent a stern warning to Mbappe amid his poor form at Real Madrid.

The Frenchman told CBS: “Is he [Mbappe] playing the best that we have seen him playing from his days at PSG? No.

“He still has to learn. He needs to play better as a No.9, which is very difficult for him at the minute. He is scoring goals, but that isn’t enough at times at club’s like that (Real Madrid).

“I will play the devil’s advocate: we always say it takes time for a player to adapt to a new club, but unfortunately, when you wear that jersey, they don’t give you a lot of time.”