Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has made it clear that he prioritizes Kylian Mbappe’s goal-scoring abilities over his defensive pressing.
The iconic Italian coach expressed this in a recent press conference, highlighting how essential Mbappe is to the club’s attacking success this season.
Ancelotti’s focus on letting the French forward concentrate on finding the back of the net reflects his desire to bring out the best in Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid this summer.
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A Striker’s Role: Scoring Above All Else
Ancelotti’s statements come at a crucial time for Real Madrid, who have struggled to find consistent form this season.
Despite their dip, the Italian manager is steadfast in his belief that Mbappe’s primary job is to score goals. “I prefer that Mbappe scores goals than he presses,” Ancelotti stated. His remarks make it clear that he’s more concerned with what Mbappe does when Madrid regains possession than with his defensive contributions.
This mindset isn’t new for Ancelotti. He took a similar approach with Karim Benzema, who left the club in 2023. Ancelotti noted that the role of Madrid’s central striker has remained unchanged: to be in the right place at the right time, ready for quick transitions.
This strategy has worked well so far, as Mbappe has already netted eight goals in 12 appearances across all competitions. His ability to convert chances has made him one of the team’s most crucial players, especially with Madrid aiming to defend their European title this season.
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Madrid’s Champions League Struggles and Mbappe’s Impact
Despite Mbappe’s positive start at Madrid, the team has had its challenges. A recent 2-1 loss against Lille in the Champions League has raised questions about how well the squad is adjusting to Mbappe’s presence.
However, Madrid will have a chance to bounce back when they host Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. This match is particularly significant as it’s a rematch of last season’s final, in which Madrid secured their 15th European crown.
Ancelotti will be looking to Mbappe to lead the team’s attack against a Dortmund side that is struggling in the Bundesliga.
Mbappe’s focus on scoring will be essential in Madrid’s attempt to bounce back in Europe, especially given that Real Madrid has always thrived in high-pressure games.
However, the transition hasn’t been without complications. Jude Bellingham, who was Madrid’s leading goal scorer last season with 10 goals in his first 10 games, has been pushed into a more defensive role following Mbappe’s arrival.
Bellingham, once the key figure in Madrid’s attack, has not found the back of the net this season in nine matches.
Bellingham’s Shift to a Defensive Role
Ancelotti has acknowledged Bellingham’s reduced goal contributions this season but believes his overall work rate remains invaluable. “We’re satisfied with his work… because he works a lot on the pitch, he’s always there, he competes, fights, sacrifices himself,” Ancelotti said. While Bellingham’s attacking prowess has diminished, his presence in midfield is still a vital part of Madrid’s game plan.
Ancelotti also downplayed the expectation that Bellingham would replicate his goal-scoring numbers from last year. “The surprise isn’t this year, it’s last year, he scored a heap of goals that no one expected.” This shift has allowed Mbappe to take the central role in Madrid’s offense, with Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes providing additional support in attack.
The Italian coach has emphasized the need for Madrid to balance their offensive firepower with a solid defense. The team is known for thriving in end-to-end matches, and with players like Mbappe, Vinicius, and Rodrygo, Madrid’s attacking threat is undeniable. Ancelotti’s priority now is to ensure that the team defends better while maintaining their attacking flair.
A Rock-and-Roll Approach to Football
Ancelotti has openly embraced the high-paced, counter-attacking style that Madrid’s current roster is built for. “I want rock and roll football because I have players with these characteristics,” Ancelotti explained.
Madrid’s squad is better suited for fast, open games rather than the possession-based approach often seen in European football. This style fits the explosive pace and creativity of players like Mbappe and Vinicius, who excel when given space to run at defenders.
Madrid will need to strike the right balance against Borussia Dortmund. Dortmund’s coach, Nuri Sahin, knows the challenge that awaits his team at the Bernabeu, acknowledging that stopping Mbappe and Madrid’s other attackers will require collective effort.
“It’s only possible (to succeed) as a collective, not just against these two, but against all of Real’s players,” Sahin remarked. Dortmund, currently seventh in the Bundesliga, will have to close down Madrid’s attacking stars quickly to avoid being overrun.
Can Real Madrid Turn Their Season Around?
Madrid’s season is still in its early stages, but the need for improvement is evident. Ancelotti’s focus on getting Mbappe to deliver goals, rather than pressing or tracking back, could be the key to unlocking the full potential of this talented squad.
The upcoming matches in the Champions League will test Madrid’s resilience and tactical flexibility, with Mbappe playing a central role in their success.
With Kylian Mbappe leading the line and Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical acumen guiding the team, Real Madrid fans can remain optimistic. Their journey toward more silverware is far from over, and they have the firepower to achieve their goals.
