Ancelotti admits Mbappe DEFEAT and makes major U-turn

Robin Bairner

Updated: 30 Nov 2024 13:19 CST
3 min read

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

Kylian Mbappe is set to be the subject of radical action from Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who remains determined to get the best out of the ailing France international.

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Mbappe has been subject to criticism since the beginning of the season, with the superstar attacker under pressure to make an impression following a high-profile move as a free agent from PSG in the summer.

He hit a new low in midweek as he turned in a woeful performance against Liverpool in the Champions League that even saw him miss a penalty.

Current ETV

Kylian Mbappé

F (C)

Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé

F (C)

Real Madrid

ETV Range

€113.3M - €188.9M

Critics have argued that Mbappe has struggled because he has been played out of position in a centre-forward role that he had previously said during his time at PSG that he does not enjoy.

And it appears that Ancelotti has taken heed and is ready to make a big U-turn for Sunday’s LaLiga encounter against Getafe.

“I think that Mbappe is more at home playing on the left, and Vinicius Junior is coming to realise that he can be very dangerous through the middle,” Ancelotti said.

© IMAGO - Mbappe has been going through one of the toughest periods of his career

Mbappe to benefit from Real Madrid revolution

Mbappe’s best football during his career has come playing down the left, but the problem Ancelotti has faced is that Vini Jr also prefers to play in this role.

Early in the season, the Frenchman was played as a No.9 to accommodate both, yet his performances have been disappointing and his confidence appears to have totally vanished.

This has led France World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit to claim that Mbappe has been “cursed by a witch doctor”.

Now it appears Ancelotti has admitted defeat with Plan A and will move onto another strategy, with Mbappe deployed in his preferred role and Vini Jr sent through the centre.

After Vini came close to winning the Ballon d’Or from the left, though, it remains to be seen whether this will finally be the strategy Real Madrid need to unlock both players.