‘Moves Only He Can Make’

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has shown patience with Mbappé, consistently defending the forward and emphasizing the need for him to adapt to life in Spain and integrate with his new teammates.

Ancelotti has also maintained that Mbappé should play centrally, allowing Vinicius Jr. to occupy his preferred position on the left. At times, however, the two players struggled to connect, often crowding each other’s spaces on the field.

The team’s 4-0 defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in October was particularly frustrating for Mbappé, who found himself offside multiple times due to the Catalans’ high defensive line. During this period, he was also omitted from the national team for Nations League matches by coach Didier Deschamps and was entangled in a dispute with former club Paris Saint-Germain over unpaid wages, which left him feeling burdened.

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Ancelotti remained committed to the striker, stating at the end of December that Mbappé had finally settled in and was prepared to perform at his peak following a thigh injury. “His adaptation period, which he obviously needed, is over,” Ancelotti remarked. “Where does Mbappé need to improve? Just in consistency… making the moves that only he can make as often as possible.”

It seems Ancelotti’s insights were spot on. Mbappé’s skill and speed have made him nearly unstoppable in recent weeks, and with each match, he appears to grow more confident.

“The Bilbao game was pivotal for me; I hit rock, and it was a moment to realize I need to give everything for this shirt and express my personality,” Mbappé shared at the end of 2024.

He delivered one of his best performances for Madrid, scoring a brace against Las Palmas to help lift Real to the top of La Liga. “I have adapted to the team and can play as I want, alongside my teammates, with personality,” he stated after the match.

Although Vinicius was suspended for the game against Las Palmas, he will return for the Champions League, and the two must continue developing their partnership. If Madrid’s dynamic duo can find their rhythm, they will be well-positioned to defend their status as the kings of Europe.