Carlo Ancelotti has responded to mounting criticism of Kylian Mbappé following his penalty miss in Real Madrid’s 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday night. Despite the French forward’s high-profile miss, the Madrid coach stood by his player and stressed that such moments should not overshadow the bigger picture.
Ancelotti also found himself under scrutiny, with his tactical decisions questioned after the defeat.
In his post-match press conference, the Italian coach remained composed, aiming to defuse the controversy surrounding both Mbappé and his own approach.
“I didn’t speak to him,” Ancelotti said when asked about his conversation with Mbappé. “It was a complicated match, very hard-fought and competitive.
When we were level, we could have hoped to regain control, but small details cost us dearly tonight.
We missed a penalty… But I’m not going to judge a player’s performance solely on a penalty, which can be scored or missed. Kylian is obviously sad and disappointed, but we have to move forward.”
While acknowledging that Mbappé was not at his best, Ancelotti responded to a journalist who claimed the Frenchman was playing at a fraction of his previous form.
“It’s much more than 1%,” Ancelotti countered calmly. “He’s not at his best, but we have to give him time to adapt. He’s already scored 10 goals this season and is working to improve.”
On the matter of Mbappé’s penalty decision, Ancelotti refrained from placing blame. “It doesn’t bother me, it’s a normal situation in football,” the coach explained.
“I think the two players talked, and Kylian took his responsibilities. Unfortunately, he didn’t take it well, but these things happen.”
With the pressure mounting after a disappointing result, Ancelotti will be keen to see his team respond quickly and return to winning ways.
Despite the loss, the coach’s faith in his star forward remains strong, with an emphasis on patience and continued improvement.
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