Mbappé's Goal Drought: Ancelotti Stands by His Star Forward

Kylian Mbappé, a name that represents extraordinary goalscoring prowess, is currently facing an unfamiliar challenge at Real Madrid. The 25-year-old forward has gone more than a month without scoring, a surprising development for one of the top scorers in the world. Nevertheless, Real Madrid's manager, Carlo Ancelotti, holds firm in his belief that this goal drought is simply a temporary phase.

Mbappé's current difficulties are evident: he has scored only one goal in his past seven matches and is experiencing a goalless streak that surpasses 400 minutes in all competitions. This slump occurs at a moment when Real Madrid's attacking lineup is facing heightened scrutiny, particularly as Mbappé adapts to the challenges of playing as a central striker.

Furthermore, Mbappé's exclusion from France's latest international matches has drawn attention, especially considering his role as the captain of the national team. Nonetheless, Ancelotti's constant backing of the French forward showcases the Italian coach's expertise and his comprehension of the inherent fluctuations in a player's performance.

In the lead-up to Real Madrid's LaLiga match against Leganés, Ancelotti maintained a composed demeanor. “Every great striker goes through this,” he stated. “He might feel frustrated, but that's not the situation he’s in. I see him motivated and pleased to train alongside his teammates.”

Ancelotti's faith in Mbappé's capacity to regain his scoring form is based on his inherent qualities. "He possesses remarkable talent, and it’s only a matter of time before he showcases it. I believe he will have an outstanding performance tomorrow because it’s just a question of when," Ancelotti remarked, reflecting his confidence in the French forward's forthcoming revival.

Since his notable transfer to the Santiago Bernabéu, there has been much discussion regarding Mbappé’s position on the field. Numerous analysts contend that his skills are maximized when he plays on the left wing, a role he excelled in during his time with Paris Saint-Germain. Nonetheless, that position is presently held by Vinícius Júnior, who is currently Real Madrid’s leading scorer and another emerging talent.

Ancelotti has so far avoided restructuring his attacking lineup, opting instead for a flexible strategy. “Mbappé and Vinícius don’t have fixed roles on the field,” he stated. “It all depends on the game. I don’t believe Kylian has ever requested a specific position; everyone simply wants to be in the starting eleven.”

This flexibility highlights Ancelotti’s tactical approach, which emphasizes adaptability rather than fixed systems. For Mbappé, the difficulty comes in shifting his lethal skills from the left wing to a more central position, a change that demands time, patience, and appropriate support.

While Kylian Mbappé's performance grabs the headlines, the injury issues in Real Madrid's defense pose a significant challenge as well. The team is running thin in that area, with crucial players such as Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão out due to long-term injuries. Despite David Alaba's recovery from an ACL tear, Ancelotti has been forced to make adjustments by using Raul Asencio and Ferland Mendy in unconventional positions during training.

“We have concentrated on our defensive strategies, collaborating with Asencio and Mendy, and experimenting with various right-back positions,” Ancelotti mentioned, alluding to the tactical changes required by the current situation.

The possibility of strengthening the team during the January transfer window is significant. However, Ancelotti is adopting a cautious strategy. “We will evaluate our options after we play Sevilla next month in our last match of 2024,” he stated. This deliberate pause highlights Real Madrid's long-term planning, as it seeks to find a balance between immediate requirements and the club's longstanding principle of strategic investments.

Kylian Mbappé's current difficulties serve as a reminder that even the most talented athletes encounter challenges. For Ancelotti, these obstacles are chances—not only for personal development but also for the team to adjust and progress.

As Real Madrid gears up to face Leganés, the spotlight is firmly on Mbappé. Will he end his scoring drought and quell the skepticism? For someone of his talent, it’s not really about "if" but rather "when."