"The same thing I used to ask Benzema” - Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti reveals what he demanded from Benzema that he expects from Kylian Mbappe
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has suggested that he gives the same instructions to their new marquee signing, Kylian Mbappe, as he did to his former striker, Karim Benzema.
Los Blancos have started the season strongly in terms of results, but there is a sense that they have yet to find their best form in terms of performances. Ancelotti is still trying to find the right balance in his squad, and injuries have made this task even more difficult.
They are currently second in the La Liga table, three points behind Barcelona, but sit 17th in the Champions League after a shock defeat to Lille on the second matchday. Up next is a rematch of last season’s Champions League final, as they prepare to face Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, October 22.
Real Madrid’s attacking firepower has been the talk of the town since they signed Kylian Mbappe from Paria Saint-Germain. The Frenchman has already scored eight goals in just 12 games, including the opener in their recent 2-1 win over Celta Vigo.
However, Ancelotti has struggled to integrate all his superstars together. Questions have also been raised about their off-the-ball approach, as the team has arguably found it difficult to press as a unit since Mbappe’s arrival.
Nevertheless, the Italian tactician has explained that he only asks Mbappe to focus on attacking and scoring goals, just as he did with Karim Benzema during their time together at the club.
“I demand that Mbappe score goals. I’d rather he score goals than press. The same things I used to ask Benzema. We get the ball, you run,” he said (via Mundo Deportivo).
Real Madrid are set for two crucial upcoming matches, starting with a clash against Dortmund, followed by a highly anticipated showdown against their old rivals and current league leaders, Barcelona, in LaLiga.
Carlo Ancelotti reveals how he wants Real Madrid to play against Borussia Dortmund
Last season’s Champions League final was a gripping contest, with both teams creating multiple chances, but Real Madrid ultimately prevailed with late goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior.
However, much has changed this season for both sides. Los Blancos have changed their attacking dynamics with the arrival of Mbappe, while Dortmund have a new manager in former Real Madrid player Nuri Sahin.
The German side currently sit seventh in the Bundesliga but still have the quality to trouble the best teams in the world. Ancelotti has expressed his desire to take a more direct approach, while also emphasizing the need for an improved defensive performance from his team.
"I want to play directly. A back-and-forth match is good for us. We have more difficulty against an opponent who plays the low block. We are focused on defending better, which is the key to this season. The team is less solid now but we are working on giving more solidity to the team," he added (via Mundo Deportivo).
Ancelotti will certainly want his star players to step up and help Real Madrid secure all three points on Tuesday, given their current position in the Champions League table.