Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has backed embattled summer signing Kylian Mbappe to show his “incredible quality” sooner or later despite the Frenchman’s difficult start to life at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mbappe is largely opined to be having a slow start to life in the Spanish capital, despite scoring 8 goals in 16 appearances so far. His performances have been criticized as he has had an underwhelming impact on the club.
The French forward is currently averaging a goal every 166 minutes, compared to one every 88 minutes in his final season with PSG. However, Ancelotti is confident that Mbappe will regain his form.
“It happens to all great strikers,” the Italian told reporters ahead of Madrid’s clash with Leganes on Sunday. “He can get frustrated, but that’s not his case. I see him motivated and happy to train with his team-mates.
“Sooner or later, he will break that streak of games in which he hasn’t scored goals. Tomorrow, he will have a great game because it is just a matter of time. He has incredible quality and, sooner or later, he will show it.”
Ancelotti also addressed suggestions Mbappe should be switched from the central attacking position to the left wing, in place of top scorer Vinicius Junior.
“I don’t think Kylian has ever asked me for a position on the pitch, everyone wants to start in the starting XI,” the Italian gaffer added.
“But Mbappe and Vinicius don’t have a fixed position on the pitch. It all depends on the match.”
Real Madrid are already six points behind their bitter rivals Barcelona in the race for the La Liga crown. The reigning champions will certainly be desperate to get their title defense back on track at Estadio Municipal de Butarque on Sunday.
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