“He’s not playing at his best level” - Carlo Ancelotti on Kylian Mbappe after Real Madrid superstar misses penalty in defeat to Athletic Club
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has acknowledged that Kylian Mbappe isn't performing at his highest level. The French superstar missed another penalty on Wednesday, December 4, against Athletic Bilbao, as Los Blancos crashed to a 2-1 defeat.
The reigning champions arrived at San Mames in good form but failed to secure a breakthrough in the first half. The hosts went ahead after the break, prompting Real Madrid to come to life.
Los Blancos earned a penalty in the 68th minute when Julen Agirrezabala's punch struck Antonio Rudiger in the face. Kylian Mbappe stepped up, but his shot - just like against Liverpool - was saved by the keeper.
After the game, Carlo Ancelotti was quizzed whether more should be expected from the 25-year-old France international. The Italian accepted that Mbappe could do better, but urged for patience with the player.
“He’s not playing at his best level, but let’s give him time. He’s scored 10 goals, he can be better but he’s working hard,” said Ancelotti via Madrid Xtra.
Kylian Mbappe did play a part in Real Madrid's equalizer later in the game. In the 78th minute, the Frenchman's shot was parried by Agirrezabala into the path of Jude Bellingham, who made no mistake.
However, Gorka Guruzeta scored the winner for the hosts two minutes later. Los Blancos are now second in the LaLiga table after 15 games, four points behind leaders Barcelona. However, Carlo Ancelotti's team have a game in hand.
Has Kylian Mbappe won a trophy with Real Madrid?
Summer signing Kylian Mbappe won the UEFA Super Cup on his Real Madrid debut. The French superstar also scored his first goal for Los Blancos as Carlo Ancelotti's team secured a 2-0 win over Atalanta on August 14.
Mbappe arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu as a free agent following the expiry of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He enjoyed a blockbuster start to life with the LaLiga champions but has since endured a difficult time.
Mbappe has managed 10 goals and two assists from 19 games across competitions for Real Madrid. However, he has yet to replicate his form with PSG that convinced Los Blancos to prise him away.
The Frenchman registered 256 goals and 108 assists from 308 games for the Ligue 1 champions, while mostly playing as a left-forward. However, he has been deployed in a central role under Ancelotti as Vinicius Junior operates in the left-forward position.