Carlo Ancelotti hints at bench role for Kylian Mbappe as manager backs struggling Frenchman

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti recently told the press that Kylian Mbappe need not start every game and will benefit from some 'rest'.

Carlo Ancelotti hints at bench role for Kylian Mbappe as manager backs struggling Frenchman

Kylian Mbappe has the backing of boss Carlo Ancelotti (Via GOAL & X/@centregoals)

French superstar Kylian Mbappe is not having the best of times at Real Madrid. The Frenchman has failed to convert both of his previous penalties and was heavily criticized in the defeats to Liverpool and Athletic Club.

Despite scoring 10 goals in all competitions, fans and pundits have been highly critical of the forward for his inability to carry the squad. Recently, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti opened up about the No.9’s situation, wherein he backed the star man to get back to his best.

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However, Ancelotti admitted that Kylian Mbappe is clearly underperforming and needs to fight his way back. Madrid’s next game in La Liga is against Girona before playing Atalanta in the Champions League.

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We are all with Mbappe. Sooner or later, it will end. He’s not showing his best version, but he knows it. It doesn’t mean that he has to play every game.

Carlo Ancelotti told the press via GOAL

Ancelotti also revealed that Vinicius Jr. will return to the first team against Atalanta next week. As things stand, Madrid is 4 points behind rivals Barcelona and can close down the gap to a single point with a win on Saturday.

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Carlo Ancelotti responds to criticism amidst Zinedine Zidane rumors

After two incredibly successful spells at Real Madrid, club legend Zinedine Zidane is linked with a sensational return to the club. Even though the Frenchman has ruled out a potential return to the Santiago Bernabeu, Ancelotti has hit out at the ‘unfair’ treatment from the media.

Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane
Carlo Ancelotti is not happy with the way media has treated him following recent results (Via Forbes & X/@Football__Tweet)

It is no secret that football is a cruel sport and that Real Madrid fans are unforgiving. Ancelotti made sure to let his feelings known.

There are some things that affect me. It’s when they touch my identity. That’s bad.

Carlo Ancelotti told the press via Forbes

Real is four points behind Barcelona in second at the moment and is struggling in the Champions League. The Los Blancos sit in 24th position, with just 6 points from five games. Ancelotti has also come under criticism for not playing Arda Guler and Endrick in rotation with the squad.

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The manager is currently serving his second stint as Real Madrid manager, with his first dating back from 2013-2015. Ancelotti is one of the most successful managers in Europe, having won the Champions League thrice and La Liga twice. Reports suggest that Real Madrid has decided to ‘trust’ the manager. However, it wouldn’t be surprising when he gets replaced if he fails to win silverwares.