Kylian Mbappé’s form at Real Madrid is raising significant concerns, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti suggesting he may take drastic action to address the forward’s ongoing difficulties.
Speaking during a press conference on Friday, Ancelotti openly discussed the possibility of benching the French star, citing a need for both performance improvement and player management.
Since joining the Spanish giants, Mbappé has struggled to replicate the prolific form that once defined his career.
This season, his lack of impact has been especially pronounced, exacerbated by the absence of Vinícius Jr., who is sidelined with injury.
Real Madrid’s recent form has suffered as a result, with the team losing two of their last three matches.
Criticism of Mbappé intensified following a 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés on Wednesday.
The forward missed yet another crucial penalty during the game, marking his second costly miss in recent weeks.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, some members of the Real Madrid squad are reportedly losing confidence in Mbappé’s ability to handle penalties, further fueling speculation about his role in the team.
Addressing the mounting pressure on his star player, Ancelotti acknowledged that Mbappé is navigating a difficult spell but maintained his support for the forward.
Despite this, the coach did not dismiss the idea of resting him in upcoming matches, particularly with a congested schedule and the Club World Cup looming.
Mbappé is aware of the situation; he spoke after the match, Ancelotti explained.
We are behind him. He knows he is not at his best. Should he play more or less? That must be analyzed.
I think he has progressed in terms of intensity and speed, but that does not mean he has to start every match.
Sometimes rest can also be beneficial.
The decision to potentially bench Mbappé appears to serve a dual purpose: relieving some of the pressure on the player while ensuring he regains his sharpness for crucial upcoming fixtures.
Ancelotti’s approach reflects a broader strategy to manage Real Madrid’s resources effectively amid a demanding schedule.
As the team prepares for a challenging trip to Girona, all eyes will be on how Mbappé responds to this period of adversity.
With expectations high and Real Madrid needing results to maintain their momentum, the forward’s recovery could prove pivotal in the weeks ahead.
Whether Mbappé starts on the pitch or watches from the bench, the pressure to rediscover his form is mounting as Real Madrid strives to maintain its status as a European powerhouse.
