Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has warned the La Liga and Champions League champions' rivals that French star Kylian Mbappe's adaptation period with the capital club is now over.
The French national team captain has been inconsistent with Real since his move from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, but he has shown glimpses of the magic that made him one of the best players in the world.
Mbappe has scored 13 goals in 23 games for Real in all competitions, and Ancelotti expects more goals in the future.
Ancelotti said in a press conference: "I think the adaptation period is over. He has shown a good version of himself, and he can still improve, but he has been good in the last matches and has overcome the minor injury he suffered."
The Italian coach added about the 26-year-old French star: "He is now more motivated and enthusiastic and he is happy to be here. He has gone through a period of adaptation, which is something that any player needs, but it is over." After returning from a thigh injury, Mbappé scored in Real's 3-0 win over Mexico's Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup final in Doha, Qatar, in midweek. Mbappé has had problems off the pitch this season, as well as struggling to find his place among Real's other stars, particularly Brazilian Vinicius Junior and Englishman Jude Bellingham.
Ancelotti's expectations
"Where does Mbappe have to improve?" Ancelotti asked, answering "Only in consistency (in terms of level). He has to try to do the moves that no one else can do, as much as possible."
He added "I don't ask him to participate a lot in building attacks, because of his characteristics..." but "to finish the ball in the goal after being free (from marking)."
Barcelona lead the standings on goal difference from Atletico Madrid ahead of Saturday's clash, while Real are third, a point behind, before hosting Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu tomorrow.
Ancelotti expected the title race to continue until the end of the season, saying "It will be a much more competitive league than in recent seasons. Atletico have everything they need to fight for it and they will do so. It will be a very exciting title race and it could be decided with less than 90 points."
التسميات
soccer