Carlo Ancelotti admitted Kylian Mbappe has not been “at his best” since joining Real Madrid after he missed a penalty in Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat at Athletic Club.
Just a week after missing from the spot against Liverpool in the Champions League, the France star endured more misery as his tame shot was easily saved by Julen Agirrezabala, Alex Berenguer’s first goal at San Mames 1-0.
Jude Bellingham equalized later but the Basque side went on to win the game thanks to Gorka Guruzeta’s winner which saw Los Blancos slip behind Barcelona in the LaLiga title race.
Mbappe has scored 10 goals in all competitions since his much-hyped move to Spain, but his manager admitted the France captain is yet to reach the heights expected of him.
“He’s not at his best, but you have to give him time to adapt. He has scored 10 goals and is working to get better,” Ancelotti said of Mbappe’s performance.
“I haven’t spoken to him. It was a complicated match – even, competitive. When we equalized, we could think about control and small details punished us tonight.
“We missed the penalty. I don’t need to evaluate a player’s game because of a penalty that is sometimes scored and sometimes missed. Obviously he’s disappointed, but we have to keep going.”
Bape’s penalty is saved by Julen Aguirrezabala! 😱#LALIGAHighlights | #AthleticRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/oSeUFtFPCS
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) December 4, 2024
On whether Real would look to switch penalties after Mbappe’s two misses, Ancelotti added: “Vinicius has taken a lot of penalties and he’s done well. Our penalty takers are Mbappe, Bellingham and Vinicius.”
Reflecting on the match, the Italian coach said: “The game was a draw. Athletic is a very dangerous team. we fought and fought hard. I think a draw would be fair based on the performance of both teams, but I have nothing to say about them winning.
“I think we defended well in the first half, but we could have done better with the ball. In the second half we were better in attack and had chances.
“We are still in the race. We could have had a better result but we are here thinking about Saturday’s game in Girona.
Mbappe: I take full responsibility
Mbappe also took to social media to take responsibility for his unassuming start to life at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Bad result,” he wrote. “A big mistake in a race where every detail counts.
“I take full responsibility. It’s a difficult time, but it’s the best time to change this situation and show who I am.”
The defeat hands Barca back the initiative in the title race, with their bitter rivals four points clear but having played a game more.
