Los Blancos are already nine points behind their El Clasico rivals Barcelona in La Liga, and Ancelotti has launched an investigation into why his team has dropped out this season, according to Relevo.
What has been obvious to “everyone else” for a while is now being acknowledged by Real Madrid manager Carclo Ancelotto. – French superstar Kylian Mbappe’s lack of defensive effort is Real Madrid’s biggest problem.
Read: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia shock: Premier League giant prepares a €90 million bid
Kylian Mbappe joined Los Blancos on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, but with an extra payment of 150 million euros because Real Madrid got him “for free”. Mbappe has recorded eight goals and two assists in just 14 appearances for Real Madrid, but three of those goals have come from the penalty spot. His all-round game has received a lot of criticism.
The 25-year-old has been overshadowed by Vinicius Junior since joining Los Blancos, and Real Madrid have become significantly weaker since his arrival.
Carlo Ancelotti has identified Kylian Mbappe’s lack of defensive effort as Real Madrid’s biggest problem.
The addition of Mbappe has forced Ancelotti to deploy Jude Bellingham in a deeper midfield role, with the England international used in the position previously occupied by the now-retired Toni Kroos.
Despite the Galactico signing of Mbappe and the attacking richness at Ancelotti’s disposal, Real Madrid have had a difficult start to the 2024-25 season, with the 4-0 loss to Barcelona being a low point.
Los Blancos are already nine points behind their El Clasico rivals in La Liga, and Ancelotti has launched an investigation into why his team has dropped out this season, according to Spanish newspaper Relevo.
In fact, the legendary Real Madrid boss has identified Mbappe’s lack of defensive work speed as the main reason behind the Spanish giants’ poor form.
Mbappe reportedly ran only eight kilometers during the aforementioned loss to Barcelona.
Thierry Henry on Kylian Mbappe
At the end of October, former Arsenal and Barcelona striker Thierry Henry sent a stern warning to Mbappe amid his poor form at Real Madrid.
The Frenchman told CBS: “Is he [Mbappe] playing the best we’ve seen him play from his days at PSG? Nobody.
“He still has to learn. He has to play better as No. 9, which is very difficult for him at the moment. He scores goals, but it is not enough at times at such clubs (Real Madrid).
“I want to play devil’s advocate: we always say it takes time for a player to adapt to a new club, but unfortunately, when you wear that jersey, they don’t give you much time.”
Read: “Everyone thinks” Steven Gerrard is sacked and lands at the only club he has led to success
