Ancelotti: Mbappe's self-criticism has fuelled his Real Madrid rise

Reuters with editing from Stats Perform
December 22, 2024 05:31 MYT
Carlo Ancelotti believes Kylian Mbappe's self-criticism has fuelled his return to form at Real Madrid after a challenging period in the Spanish capital.

Mbappe opened the scoring in Madrid's 4-2 victory over Sevilla on Sunday before setting up Brahim Diaz, who netted Los Blancos' fourth goal of the contest.

The Frenchman has now been involved in 49 goals in 2024 as a player for Paris Saint-Germain (23 goals, eight assists) and Madrid (14 goals, four assists) in all competitions, with only Harry Kane (50) involved in more.

Mbappe has now scored six goals in his last eight games in all competitions, taking his season tally to 13 goals while also laying on a further three assists in 23 outings.

The 26-year-old's upturn in form has coincided with Madrid's improvement in the league, with their latest victory putting them a point behind leaders Atletico Madrid.

Ancelotti said that a lack of attitude and collective effort had been holding back his star-studded squad, but he is confident his side can turn their campaign around next year.

"After the defeat against Milan, we sorted things out in the dressing room by talking very clearly," Ancelotti said.

"Self-criticism has made us clear up what we were lacking, which was a bit of a lack of attitude, of collective commitment, of running a bit more.

"We have gone back to doing things the way we should have done them.

"Mbappe has been self-critical and that's why he has got out of a situation that could have been complicated."

Ancelotti said ahead of Sunday's clash that Mbappe's adaption to life at Madrid was complete, and his display against Sevilla certainly backed that up.

In the encounter, the Frenchman had more shots (five) and more touches in the opposition box (nine) than any of his team-mates, while also producing a team-high expected goals (xG) tally of 0.55.

"His adaptation period is over and today he has shown that I, from time to time, am right," Ancelotti said.

"In 2024, I give the team an A+. Last season was fantastic.

"We started (this season) with more difficulty, but we were able to fix the situation in time and there is hope for 2025, but it is difficult to repeat it. We will try."

#Real Madrid #Carlo Ancelotti #football #Kylian Mbappe #Sevilla FC #LaLiga (Spain)
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