Ancelotti defends Mbappe amid Real Madrid slump: “It’s a collective problem”

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has defended Kylian Mbappe amid the club’s recent slump in form, putting the blame on the squad as a whole.

It’s been a disappointing spell for Los Blancos in the Champions League over the last while, losing three of their last four outings against Liverpool, AC Milan and Lille – picking up one win over Borussia Dortmund.

That leaves the Spanish giants in the 24th spot of 36 teams but a favourable run of fixtures to close out the group phase which includes clashes with Atalanta, RB Salzburg and Brest should see them stay alive in the competition.

However, staying alive in the Champions League shouldn’t be what this club is aiming for, as they are the record 15-time winners and the bar is set much higher than scraping into the qualification playoffs.

Mbappe has been the subject of intense criticism over the last while, scoring just twice in his last nine outings for Madrid but Ancelotti moved to defend his star man and ask the question of his entire squad.

“Mbappé’s problem is the same as for all of us. The idea is to try to find the best version of ourselves: from him, from myself, from the other players,” Ancelotti explained.

“We don’t consider it an individual problem for a player who, among other things, is new here, is adapting, has scored eight goals, and has participated in our attacking game with assists. We can all do better.”

G/A in Europe this season:

6 — Mykhailo Mudryk
6 — Mbappé and Vini combined pic.twitter.com/yw4woLoba7

— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) November 29, 2024

Real Madrid drop to 7/1 to win Champions League after underwhelming start

After starting the competition as 3/1 outright favourites, Madrid’s odds to win have drifted to 7/1 according to the best football betting sites.

It’s not all doom and gloom for them though, as their La Liga form remains generally okay – sitting just four points off league leaders Barcelona with a game in hand.