Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti and midfielder Jude Bellingham have rallied around Kylian Mbappé after the striker’s subdued performance in their 2-0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. The French forward, who missed a crucial penalty during the game, has faced mounting criticism amid a challenging start to his career at the Spanish club.
Despite Real Madrid’s poor form, Ancelotti expressed confidence in Mbappé’s ability to bounce back, calling him “extraordinary” and emphasizing the need for patience and support.
Mbappé’s Struggles in the Spotlight
Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain in June was one of the most high-profile transfers of the summer, but his time in Spain has been anything but smooth. The World Cup-winning striker has managed only one goal in five Champions League appearances and has scored just once in his last six games across all competitions.
Wednesday’s defeat to Liverpool highlighted his ongoing struggles. Mbappé failed to make an impact against Liverpool’s defense, missing a penalty that could have shifted the game’s momentum. His body language on the pitch reflected a player low on confidence, raising questions about his form and adaptation to life in La Liga.
Ancelotti: “Mbappé Needs Support and Patience”
Speaking after the match, Ancelotti defended Mbappé, emphasizing that dips in form are normal for any player.
“It’s a difficult moment for him,” Ancelotti admitted. “We’ve got to support him and give him our love. He’ll soon be fine. Sometimes you have moments when things aren’t quite working out for you, but you get through these moments.”
The Italian coach dismissed the significance of the missed penalty, insisting it wasn’t the sole reason for the loss.
“People miss penalties, it happens a lot. You can’t put too much grief on him for that. He works hard, and he’s got to keep working hard and fighting. Things just aren’t running for him at the moment, but he’s an extraordinary player,” he added.
Liverpool’s Superior Performance
Ancelotti acknowledged that Liverpool deserved their victory, praising their intensity and sharpness.
“To be totally honest with you, it was a fair result,” he said. “They have a really good dynamic at the moment, they are switched on, and they play with a high intensity.”
Liverpool’s dominance in the game pushed Real Madrid further down the standings in the Champions League league phase. The Spanish giants now sit 24th in the 36-team table, placing them in danger of missing out on the knockout stages.
Despite the setback, Ancelotti remained optimistic about Real Madrid’s chances of progression.
“This game today wasn’t a decisive game,” he said. “We’ll be there, we’ll be competing in the knockout phase, like in previous years.”
Bellingham Stands by Mbappé
Jude Bellingham, who has been a standout performer for Real Madrid this season, also expressed disappointment with the team’s performance but was quick to defend Mbappé.
“They were more up for it than us, which is very disappointing,” Bellingham admitted. “It is a bad result against the best-performing team in Europe.”
The midfielder stressed that the missed penalty wasn’t the reason for the defeat and highlighted Mbappé’s immense talent.
“He is a wonderful player, but the pressure on him because of how good he is is huge,” Bellingham said. “The penalty is not why we lost the game. They performed better than us. I know that he will produce many more moments that will be huge for this club.”
Real Madrid’s Champions League Struggles
The loss to Liverpool adds to what has been a difficult campaign for Real Madrid in the new Champions League league phase format. With only two wins from five matches, they face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stages.
Liverpool are the first team to confirm their place in the round of 16 or knockout phase play-offs ⚽#UCL pic.twitter.com/ebUtmFxFeW
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 27, 2024
Their 24th-place position in the standings means they must win their remaining three games to have a realistic chance of advancing. This comes as a stark contrast to their previous seasons, where they consistently progressed deep into the tournament.
The Path Ahead for Mbappé and Real Madrid
Mbappé’s struggles have sparked debate about his role at Real Madrid and whether the weight of expectation is affecting his performances. Known for his dazzling displays at Paris Saint-Germain and on the international stage, the 25-year-old now finds himself under intense scrutiny.
Ancelotti’s approach to shielding Mbappé from criticism could be vital in helping the forward regain his confidence. The coach’s emphasis on patience and support suggests that the club is willing to give Mbappé time to adapt to his new environment.
With three crucial Champions League fixtures ahead, Mbappé has an opportunity to rediscover his form and deliver the kind of performances that made him one of the most sought-after players in world football.
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