Kylian Mbappé is struggling in his first few months at Real Madrid. While the French superstar’s performances haven’t been subpar, they haven’t been impressive either. Coach Carlo Ancelotti defended him on Saturday.
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Didier Deschamps made headlines last week when he left Kylian Mbappé out of the French national team squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
The decision to exclude the star forward, who has long been considered the face of French football, was unexpected and sent shockwaves through both the French and Spanish media. Deschamps, known for his pragmatic and disciplined approach, offered only a brief explanation when asked about Mbappé's omission. "I had several conversations with him. I thought it over carefully and made this decision. I believe it’s for the best. I’m not going to argue about it," Deschamps said, choosing to remain cryptic and avoiding further elaboration. His comments left the door open for speculation, with many pundits and fans left wondering about the true reasons behind the decision.
In both France and Spain, the media were quick to suggest that Mbappé’s ego may have been a factor in Deschamps’ choice. The French superstar has been under intense scrutiny since his high-profile move to Real Madrid this summer, with every action and comment analyzed in great detail. The narrative that Mbappé's ego might be causing tension within the squad gained traction, especially given reports of past conflicts at his previous club, Paris Saint-Germain. The media suggested that Deschamps might have been sending a message to Mbappé, emphasizing the importance of team harmony over individual star power. This theory, however, was neither confirmed nor denied by the French coach, who has a reputation for handling player relationships with a firm but quiet hand.
In response to the swirling rumors and criticism, Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti came forward to defend his player in a comprehensive interview with the French newspaper L’Équipe. Ancelotti, who has been coaching Mbappé since his move to Madrid, spoke at length about the French forward's character and adaptation to life at the new club. “A big ego? No, not at all. He actually doesn’t have an ego,” Ancelotti stated firmly, countering the claims made by the media. The Italian coach went on to explain that, contrary to popular belief, Mbappé has shown humility and a willingness to integrate himself into the team dynamic at Real Madrid.
“He adapted well to his teammates right away,” Ancelotti continued, emphasizing the smooth transition Mbappé has made since joining the Spanish giants. The forward’s arrival in Madrid was one of the most talked-about transfers of the summer, ending years of speculation about when and if he would leave Paris Saint-Germain. Ancelotti highlighted that from day one, Mbappé approached his new environment with the right attitude, eager to prove himself and work with his new colleagues. “He has built good relationships with the team. He arrived as an enthusiastic player,” the coach added, painting a picture of a young star who is focused on his craft and determined to succeed.
The transfer saga that brought Mbappé to Madrid was fraught with drama. After a series of public negotiations and apparent indecision, the player finally made the move to the Santiago Bernabéu, fulfilling what many see as his long-term career ambition. Despite the immense pressure and expectations that came with the transfer, Ancelotti noted that Mbappé has remained level-headed and has not let the hype affect his performances on the pitch. The coach acknowledged that while the forward’s numbers eight goals so far this season may not fully reflect his impact, his presence has already added a new dimension to the team’s attack.
Ancelotti also touched upon the off-field dynamics and how Mbappé has been adapting to life in Madrid. “He’s a young player who knows what he wants, but he’s also very respectful of his teammates and the club’s culture,” Ancelotti said. The Real Madrid coach praised Mbappé’s professionalism, noting that the forward often stays after training to work on his skills and maintain his physical conditioning. “He’s hungry for success and is always looking to improve. That’s what I see every day in training.”
The Italian coach’s words are seen as an attempt to shield his player from the negative press and reinforce the positive influence Mbappé has had since his arrival. It’s no secret that Ancelotti values a strong locker room atmosphere, and his endorsement of Mbappé’s character could also be seen as a message to the rest of the team, affirming the forward’s place within the squad hierarchy.
While the decision of Deschamps to leave out Mbappé continues to be a topic of debate, Ancelotti’s support might help ease some of the criticism directed at the player. The Real Madrid coach’s interview signals that, at least in the Spanish capital, Mbappé is viewed as a key part of the club’s future plans. As for Mbappé himself, the upcoming months will be crucial. With the weight of expectations from both the fans and the media, his performances will be closely watched, and any misstep could reignite discussions about his attitude and commitment.
For now, however, it seems Mbappé has the backing of one of the most experienced coaches in world football. Ancelotti’s comments may not completely silence the skeptics, but they certainly provide a strong counter-narrative to the claims of an ego problem. As the season progresses, Mbappé will have the chance to prove his doubters wrong and demonstrate that he is not just a star on the pitch but also a team player who can thrive in the demanding environment of a club like Real Madrid.
Updated: 11:57, 9 Nov 2024
