Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has declared that Kylian Mbappé’s “period of adaptation has finished” as Los Blancos prepare to host Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu in their final LaLiga game of 2024.
Mbappé has been in remarkable form, scoring the opening goal in Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Pachuca in Qatar on Wednesday.
This brought his tally to 13 goals across all competitions this season and secured his second trophy with the club, adding the FIFA Intercontinental Cup to the UEFA Super Cup won earlier in August.
The upcoming Sevilla clash is crucial, with Madrid competing alongside Barcelona and Atlético Madrid for the top spot in the LaLiga standings.
Atlético and Barcelona face each other on Saturday, adding further intrigue to the title race.
Ancelotti’s Take on Mbappé’s Progress
“[Mbappé’s] period of adaptation has finished,” Ancelotti stated in a press conference on Saturday.
“He’s now at his best, but he can still improve. He’s played well in recent games. He’s recovered from the little injury he had and he looks more motivated, excited.
He needed time, like everybody does, but that period is over.”
Mbappé’s resurgence is evident, with five goals in his last seven matches. The French forward quickly bounced back from a hamstring injury sustained against Atalanta in the Champions League to deliver a stellar performance against Pachuca.
Read Also: Kylian Mbappe Set To Travel With Real Madrid Squad For 2024 Intercontinental Cup Final Amid Injury Concerns
Injury Challenges and Tactical Adjustments
Ancelotti highlighted the challenges of managing injuries that have prevented him from fielding his star-studded attacking lineup Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo Goes together consistently.
“Sometimes Rodrygo has been injured, sometimes Bellingham. They’ve played few games [together], but from what little we’ve seen, they combine well.”
“Sometimes Mbappé has played on the left, sometimes Vinícius has played inside, or Bellingham on the left …
I won’t fix a position for the four but rather give them a lot of freedom.”
He emphasized Mbappé’s need for consistency, adding:
“Mbappé only has to improve in his consistency, trying to do the things that only he can do, as often as possible.
I don’t ask him to be very involved in the build-up play. His best characteristic is finding space and getting into the box. That’s what he needs to do more frequently.”
Squad Updates and LaLiga Title Race
Ancelotti confirmed that Ferland Mendy is available for the Sevilla game, while David Alaba is expected to rejoin the team by mid-January. Reflecting on the LaLiga title race, Ancelotti predicted a competitive battle until the end.
“I think it will be a much more competitive league than in recent years,” he said.
“Atlético have all the resources to try and fight for it. It will be entertaining until the end, and because it will be competitive, I think you can win the league with fewer than 90 points this year.”
With Mbappé finding his stride and Real Madrid battling on multiple fronts, Sunday’s game against Sevilla could be another defining moment in their campaign.
