MBAPPE STRUGGLING Real Madrid's French forward Kylian Mbappe has come under fire for below par performances in general play. Photo: Oli Scarff/AFP
Image: Oli SCARFF / AFP
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti did not mince his words when talking about struggling star striker, Kylian Mbappe, ahead of their Champions League clash against Atalanta on Tuesday.
Mbappe signed for Madrid in June on a five-year contract as he left Paris Saint Germain (PSG) after six years with the French club.
Since joining Madrid, Mbappe’s goal tally has not exactly been bad as he has notched up 11 strikes from 21 games.
However, he has faced criticism for his general play and missing a penalty against Liverpool in their Champions League clash and also in their La Liga encounter with Athletic Bilbao.
Both matches ended in defeat for Real, and therefore much of the blame was laid on Mbappe.
"He isn't at his best level, but we have to give him time to adapt," said Ancelotti last week.
"He can do better and he's working to do that.”
Mbappe also has off-field issues he is currently dealing with. The 25-year-old was left out of two recent France squads while he is attempting to have an unpaid salary claim with PSG resolved.
He is also reportedly under investigation in Sweden in connection with a rape case.
Mbappe, though, said he had not heard anything other than reports in the media about the rape allegations.
"I received nothing, no summons. I read the same thing as everyone else. The Swedish government hasn't said anything -- I'm not involved," Mbappe told Canal+ on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti has also come under fire as his side has already lost five games across all competitions this season. Ancelotti was defiant in his response.
"It's not a funeral -- we're still fighting in all competitions," said Ancelotti.
"We have to be optimistic, keeping in mind the problems we're having and have had.
"But we have to be optimistic because we have a quality squad. We have not been able to find our best form, but I am convinced we will sooner or later."