Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed the idea that Kylian Mbappe’s recent performances are the root cause of Real Madrid’s challenges this season.
Mbappe has found the net just twice in his last nine games for Madrid, a period in which the team suffered defeats to Lille, Barcelona, AC Milan and Liverpool.
The French forward has come under heavy criticism, particularly after missing a vital penalty in Real Madrid’s 2-0 Champions League defeat by Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday.
“Bape’s problem is the same as all of us,” Ancelotti explained during a press conference on Saturday ahead of Madrid’s LaLiga clash with Getafe.
“The idea is to try to find the best version of ourselves: from him, from myself, from the other players.
“We don’t see it as an individual problem for a player who, among other things, is new here, he’s adapting, he’s scored eight goals and he’s been involved in our attacking play with assists. We can all do better.”
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Despite their struggles, Real Madrid remain in contention near the top of LaLiga, trailing leaders Barcelona by four points.
With a game in hand, Madrid still have opportunities to close the gap.
Ancelotti added: “(Bape) is not depressed, he knows he has to do better. Many of my players have missed penalties.
“We must continue to support and help. It is a collective problem and not an individual one.
“I’m like Pepe. I give everything to become the best version of myself.
“The results say that I failed to find the best version of myself. I’m not happy, but I’m convinced we’ll fix it.”
