"Our problem is not offensive" - Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti hits back at critics over Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr roles and recent struggles
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has refuted claims that his team is struggling due to the positioning of forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. He claimed that Los Blancos’ struggles are more of a defensive problem than an attacking one.
The defending LaLiga and European champions have been in poor form recently. They lost 4-0 in El Clasico to rivals Barcelona and were also defeated 3-1 by AC Milan in the Champions League. Both games were played at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mbappe and Vincius Jr failed to score in both games. The Frenchman was notably caught offside eight times in the side's loss to Barcelona. The two forward’s poor returns in recent weeks gave rise to talks about their positioning in the final third being a reason for the club's struggles in attack.
Mbappe, who joined the club in the summer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), primarily plays as a left winger. However, due to Vinicius Jr occupying the same position, the 25-year-old has been deployed in a centre-forward role at Madrid since his arrival.
Mbappe’s arrival has also seen Jude Bellingham handed more central midfield duties, hence limiting his participation in the final third. The Englishman is yet to score this season.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Real Madrid's league clash with Osasuna, Ancelotti hit back at the criticism of the positioning of his star forwards and the team’s attack. He claimed that Real Madrid’s main issue is not attack-related but a defensive issue.
“I can give an idea of what will happen tomorrow but now is not the time. Although I am looking forward to tomorrow, to see how it goes. Our problem is not offensive, or positioning. It is a defensive one,” Ancelotti said (via Madrid Universal).
The manager further explained that Vini Jr makes more impact from the wing, and Mbappe is capable of playing in the No. 9 role.
“I do not want to take him away from where he makes the difference and Mbappé can play as a striker. Nothing more. Our problem is not offensive,” he explained.
Real Madrid will look to return to winning ways when they lock horns with Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, November 9. They are second in the standings and currently trail league leaders Barcelona by nine points but have played a game less.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti speaks on Kylian Mbappe’s omission from France's national team
Carlo Ancelotti also commented on Kylian Mbappe’s omission from France’s squad for the upcoming November internationals.
He stated that the decision not to hand a call-up to the star forward was at the discretion of France’s head coach Didier Deschamps. The Italian manager also reiterated that Mbappe is in good shape and ready to overcome his recent struggles.
Ancelotti said (via Madrid Universal):
“It’s Deschamps’ decision and I don’t have the right to judge it. I don’t allow myself to do that. Mbappe is fine and motivated. Depressed like everyone else, but motivated to get through this.”
Mbappe has had a slow start at Real Madrid judging by his lofty standards. He has registered eight goals and two assists in 15 games across competitions, but has yet to hit top gear.