The French forward went scoreless in his first two LaLiga games, but the Real Madrid coach emphasized that his team needs time to adapt to his introduction in the attack.
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Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid coach, emphasized on Wednesday that his team needs time to adapt to the integration of Kylian Mbappé into the attack.
This statement comes in light of the French forward's lack of goals in his first two LaLiga appearances, which some might view as a slow start. However, Ancelotti downplayed these concerns, highlighting the natural challenges that come with adjusting to new players and strategies.
"Every year the challenge changes because the team and its structure change a little. It’s normal, and last year we also needed time," Ancelotti explained. "We won many games in the final minutes, and this year it will also be difficult. It's something normal that happens every year." His remarks suggest a calm and measured approach to the early stages of the season, recognizing the process of building cohesion and understanding among new and existing players.
During a press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s match against Las Palmas, scheduled for Thursday at 8:30 p.m., Ancelotti acknowledged the challenge posed by the upcoming fixture. "We expect a tense and open game despite the heat," he noted, indicating that the team is prepared for a tough contest regardless of the weather conditions. Las Palmas, known for their resilience and ability to challenge bigger teams, will likely pose a significant test for Real Madrid as they seek to find their rhythm early in the season.
Ancelotti was also asked about the upcoming changes to the Champions League format, which will see an increase from 32 to 36 teams and the introduction of a league system to replace the traditional group stage. In this new format, each team will play four home and four away games, a shift designed to increase the competitiveness and excitement of the tournament. When asked for his thoughts on these changes, Ancelotti responded thoughtfully, "I don't have an opinion because we haven't played in a format like this yet. Let's be patient; we’ll talk about it in a year. Sometimes, new things can be good." This cautious optimism reflects Ancelotti's open-minded approach to change and his willingness to embrace innovation in the sport.
As Real Madrid begins their LaLiga campaign, the team has shown a mix of results. They started the season with a 1-1 draw away to Mallorca, a match that highlighted both their strengths and areas for improvement. In their next game, they secured a convincing 3-0 victory at home against Valladolid, demonstrating their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. With four points from their first two games, Real Madrid currently trails Barcelona, the early league leaders, by five points, though Barcelona has played an additional game.
Despite this gap, Ancelotti remains focused on the long-term development of his team. He understands that integrating a star player like Mbappé, who brings a different style and set of skills, requires time and patience. The Italian coach is known for his ability to manage big personalities and build cohesive teams, and he appears confident that his squad will continue to improve as the season progresses.
Ancelotti’s experience and calm demeanor provide a steadying influence on the team during these early weeks of the season. His emphasis on patience and adaptation reflects a deep understanding of the complexities involved in managing a top-tier football club. As Real Madrid looks to defend their title and compete on multiple fronts, Ancelotti's leadership will be crucial in navigating the challenges that lie ahead.
The coming weeks will be telling for Real Madrid as they continue to blend new talents like Mbappé into their lineup. With a mix of veteran experience and youthful energy, the team has the potential to be a formidable force in both domestic and European competitions. Ancelotti’s balanced approach and strategic insights will be key to unlocking this potential and guiding Real Madrid through the demands of a long and competitive season.
