Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has stated that France international Kylian Mbappe cannot always perform at his best, after the star forward received criticism for his below-par performance in the midweek 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
The 26-year old was expected to lit up the game against Los Rojibancos on Tuesday after his superb showing in both legs of the previous round against Manchester City but had a quiet showing at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash against Rayo Vallecano, Ancelotti defended Mbappe, calling for support for the former Paris Saint Germain forward.
“What we see is that he didn’t do against Atlético what he did against City. Against City he scored three, and against Atlético he didn’t. Generally he’s doing very well. We’re very happy with him.
He can’t always be at his best. Against Atlético he wasn’t, but in such a demanding season, that’s normal, above all in players of quality. Quality players have more ups and downs. It’s something genetic”, the Italian said.
Mbappe has scored 27 goals in all competitions this season despite a slow start to his Real Madrid career, but has failed to find the back of the net in his previous three matches.
“For players with great quality, it’s harder to be consistent. But he’s doing well. If we’re in the last 16 of the Champions League, it’s a lot down to him”, Ancelotti added.
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