Ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Getafe on Sunday, manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke about the club’s current struggles and the challenges they face, particularly regarding their marquee summer signing, Kylian Mbappe. Following a midweek loss to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid is looking to bounce back and maintain pressure on league leaders Barcelona. Ancelotti discussed the team’s difficulties, emphasizing that the issues are collective, not isolated to any one player.
When asked about Mbappe’s form, Ancelotti defended the French superstar, stating that the team’s overall performance has been lacking continuity, which has impacted Mbappe’s ability to showcase his best. Despite the challenges, Ancelotti remained confident that the team can turn things around. He explained that while Mbappe has not reached his full potential yet, his contributions, including eight goals and assists, are valuable. Ancelotti stressed the importance of patience and support, noting that the collective nature of the problem is what needs to be addressed.
The issue of Mbappe’s position was also discussed, especially with the imminent return of Vinicius Jr. from injury. Ancelotti noted that while Mbappe is used to playing on the left wing, Vinicius is becoming more comfortable in the inside-forward role. The manager suggested that the team’s tactics and game situations would determine how best to utilize both players moving forward. Ancelotti also shared that Federico Valverde would return to his preferred central midfield role after filling in as a right-back due to injuries in recent weeks.
Ancelotti also responded to speculation about young Brazilian forward Endrick possibly starting against Getafe. He stated that if Endrick is the best option to win the game, he will be selected, demonstrating his flexibility in team selection amid an injury-plagued season. Reflecting on the current challenges, Ancelotti acknowledged that while this season has been difficult due to injuries and inconsistent form, the return of key players like David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga would provide much-needed reinforcements.
Looking ahead to the match against Getafe, Ancelotti praised their defensive strength and acknowledged that facing a team managed by his friend José Bordalás would be a tough challenge. The Real Madrid manager emphasized the need for his team to control the game and play well to secure a victory. Ancelotti also discussed the upcoming January transfer window, noting that while discussions are ongoing, there is no rush to make decisions until later in the season when more clarity on player availability and performance is achieved.
