Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has emphasized the importance of Kylian Mbappe’s goal-scoring prowess over his defensive contributions. The Spanish giants have struggled to find their rhythm this season, and Ancelotti believes Mbappe’s primary focus should be on finding the back of the net.
“I prefer that he scores goals than he presses,” Ancelotti stated. “The central striker position in our team has not changed. I ask him the same I asked of Karim (Benzema).”
Mbappe has scored eight goals in 12 appearances for Madrid this season, but his output has been overshadowed by Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski, who has netted 14 times in 12 games. The French forward has also faced criticism for his absence from France’s recent Nations League matches due to a thigh injury.
Ancelotti’s comments come amid concerns about Mbappe’s impact on the team’s balance. The arrival of the former Paris Saint-Germain star has pushed Jude Bellingham into a more defensive role, and the English midfielder has yet to score this season.
“We’re satisfied with his work… because he works a lot on the pitch,” Ancelotti said of Bellingham. “The truth is he hasn’t scored the goals he did last year, but the surprise isn’t this year, it’s last year.”
Ancelotti acknowledged Madrid’s attacking prowess, which includes Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes, and expressed his preference for end-to-end matches. “I want (rock and roll football) because I have players with these characteristics,” he said.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund coach Nuri Sahin emphasized the need for a strong mentality and collective effort to overcome Madrid’s attacking threats. “It’s only possible (to succeed) as a collective, not just against these two, but against all of Real’s players,” he said.
Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt stressed the importance of closing down Madrid players quickly. “It’s about working even more defensively… you probably shouldn’t give them any breathing room to get close to our goal,” he said.
