Carlo Ancelotti praised Kylian Mbappe's performance after the Real Madrid forward scored from his new role on the left in a 3-0 win over Leganes on Monday, November 25, 2024, early morning WIB.
Mbappe put Los Blancos ahead in the 43rd minute in Butarque in the 14th week of La Liga 2024/2025.
He took advantage of Vinicius Junior's pass from close range, before Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham scored to secure three points in the second half.
It was Mbappe's first goal for Real Madrid in five games, after swapping positions with Vinicius, starting on the left side of the attack.
"It was a good game from start to finish. The team was solid and focused. We changed the forward's position a little bit, with Mbappe outside and he played well."
"Vinicius also played well, inside. We opened the scoring and after that the team controlled the game well," Ancelotti said in a press conference after the match.
Mbappe has now scored seven goals in 12 league appearances for Real Madrid, but has faced criticism for his performances in recent weeks. He had four games without scoring a goal.
"I started in a different position than the previous matches."
"However, as I said on the first day I arrived here, I was able to play in a different position."
"Today is different and maybe the next game will be different again. I'm ready to help the team."
"That's the story of my career. I can play on the right, on the left, as two attackers, I don't mind."
"What I want to do is play well, help the team, and score goals," said Mbappe.
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After the match, Ancelotti gave his reasons for the change. The Italian coach added the best part of the line-up and the result was better cooperation between the two stars.
"I think (Mbappe) is more used to playing (on the left). Today is the best for the team and for him."
"Besides that, it's more tiring. Vini just returned (from international duty) on Thursday (21 November 2024)."
"Mbappe is fresher than Vinicius. He played very well with his goal, after Vini's fantastic assist. Little by little the two got better," said Ancelotti.
Mbappe also agreed with the coach's statement. He assessed that the chemistry with Vinicius was getting stronger.
"Vini and I understand each other very well. I have a good relationship with him and he is a great player."
"The best players are here and we are ready to win many matches and trophies," said Mbappe.
Meanwhile, with right-back Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez both sidelined due to injury, Ancelotti chose midfielder Valverde for the role.
Ancelotti's latest scheme is the solution of two negative results against Barcelona (0-4) and AC Milan in the Champions League (1-3) amid a storm of injuries.
Unfortunately, when Real Madrid finished their problems and returned to their best performance, they were not certain to show it when they visited Liverpool's headquarters in the Champions League on Thursday, November 28, 2024, early morning WIB.
Apart from seeing Valverde playing a good role as a full-back, Vinicius is most likely absent due to a hamstring injury.
Vinicius' absence is clearly a disaster considering that chemistry with Mbappe is well established.
In fact, Real Madrid need a win at Anfield to crawl into the top eight zone, aka the limit of going straight to the knockout phase.
"Valverde is a fantastic full-back. After Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez, he is the best in the world."
"The problem is choosing where he is most suitable for the team. However, he is very versatile. We'll see if Lucas and (Aurelien) Tchouameni recover for the match against Liverpool. We'll see," said Ancelotti.
Currently, Real Madrid are in 18th place in the Champions League standings with a collection of six points from the results of two wins and two defeats.
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