Kylian Mbappé faces a goal drought at Real Madrid, prompting questions about his form. As manager Carlo Ancelotti remains supportive, the football world waits for the French star's imminent resurgence in LaLiga.
Kylian Mbappé, a name that epitomizes goalscoring excellence, is currently facing unfamiliar challenges at Real Madrid. The 25-year-old striker has been unable to score for over a month, which is an unexpected development for one of the most gifted scorers in the world. Nevertheless, Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti firmly believes that this scoring drought is just a temporary phase.
Mbappé's current difficulties are quite apparent: he has scored only one goal in his last seven matches and has gone over 400 minutes without finding the net in any competition. This goal drought occurs at a moment when the forward line of Real Madrid is being closely examined, particularly as Mbappé learns to meet the challenges of playing as a central striker.
Adding to the intrigue, Mbappé’s absence from France's recent international matches has drawn attention, especially given his role as the captain of the national team. Despite these difficulties, Ancelotti's steadfast backing of the French forward showcases the Italian manager's experience and his comprehension of the natural fluctuations in a player's performance.
Before Real Madrid's LaLiga match against Leganés, Ancelotti displayed a sense of tranquility. “It happens to every great striker,” he stated. “He may feel frustrated, but that's not the case with him. I observe that he is motivated and content to train alongside his teammates.”
Ancelotti’s faith in Mbappé’s capacity to regain his scoring form is based on the player's inherent abilities. “He possesses remarkable talent, and it’s only a matter of time before he demonstrates it. Tomorrow, he will deliver an outstanding performance because it’s just a question of timing,” Ancelotti remarked, underscoring his conviction in the French forward’s near return to form.
Since his high-profile move to the Santiago Bernabéu, there has been considerable debate regarding Mbappé's role on the field. Numerous analysts contend that his skills are best showcased on the left wing, a position where he gained fame while playing for Paris Saint-Germain. Nonetheless, that space is currently occupied by Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid's leading scorer and another exceptional talent.
So far, Ancelotti has chosen not to alter his attacking lineup, instead opting for a flexible strategy. “Mbappé and Vinícius don’t occupy a fixed role on the field,” he stated. “It all relies on the game situation. I don’t believe Kylian has ever requested a particular position; everyone simply aims to be included in the starting eleven.”
This flexibility highlights Ancelotti's tactical approach, which emphasizes adaptability rather than strict formations. For Mbappé, the difficulty lies in shifting his sharp attacking skills from the left wing to a more central position, a change that necessitates time, patience, and adequate support.
While the headlines focus on Mbappé's struggles, Real Madrid’s defensive injury issues are also a significant concern. The team is operating with limited options in defense, as important players like Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão are out with long-term injuries. Even though David Alaba is on the mend from an ACL tear, Ancelotti has had to be creative, utilizing Raul Asencio and Ferland Mendy in unconventional positions during training.
“We have concentrated on our defense, collaborating with Asencio and Mendy, and experimenting with various right-back options,” Ancelotti remarked, alluding to the tactical changes required due to the current situation.
The possibility of strengthening the team during the January transfer window is significant. However, Ancelotti is adopting a cautious strategy. “We will evaluate our options after playing Sevilla next month in our last match of 2024,” he stated. This deliberate delay highlights Real Madrid's focus on long-term planning, as it balances immediate requirements with the club’s ongoing approach to careful investments.
Kylian Mbappé's current difficulties serve as a reminder that even the most talented players encounter periods of hardship. For Ancelotti, these obstacles present opportunities—not only for personal development but also for the team to adjust and grow.
As Real Madrid gets ready to face Leganés, the focus will be squarely on Mbappé. Will he end his scoring drought and prove the skeptics wrong? For someone of his talent, it’s not a matter of “if” but rather “when.”
