Carlo Ancelotti discusses Kylian Mbappe’s problems

On Wednesday, coach Carlo Ancelotti said Kylian Mbappe has struggled to produce at Real Madrid but is working hard to return to his old self. After missing a penalty against Liverpool last week, Mbappe missed another on Wednesday as Real lost 2-1 at Athletic Bilbao.

Mbappe, 25, and Real Madrid lost their fourth game in seven in all competitions following another lackluster performance, raising questions about their form with the France captain under scrutiny.

“He is at a lot more than 1% (of his potential), but he’s not at his best,” Ancelotti told a press conference.

We must give him time to adjust to Real Madrid. He’s scored 10 goals and is striving for more.

I haven’t spoken to him. Complex, even, hard-fought, competitive game. We missed a penalty… Some players score and some miss penalties, therefore I don’t judge them by them. We must continue despite his sadness and disappointment.”

Real wasted the chance to catch Barcelona, who lead the standings with 37 points, four ahead of Ancelotti’s side in second and five ahead of Atletico Madrid in third, with both teams having a game in hand.

Match was even. Athletic is a dangerous squad; we fought. It was a drawable match, stated Ancelotti.

It is what it is… We must continue to compete. We should have done better, but we’re here and must focus on Saturday’s Girona game.”