Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has downplayed concerns over Kylian Mbappe’s inconsistent performances, attributing his recent struggles to the demands of a long season and the nature of players with exceptional talent.
The French superstar delivered a sensational hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League play-off round, but struggled in Madrid’s last two matches against Real Betis in La Liga and Atletico Madrid in Europe.
His underwhelming display against Atletico in the Champions League last-16 first leg raised concerns among fans.
Ancelotti, speaking ahead of Sunday’s La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano, defended Mbappe’s fluctuating form, insisting that occasional dips are natural for players of his caliber.
“What we saw is that against Atletico he did not do what he did against City,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“Against City he scored three and against Atletico he did not score. I think on a general level he is doing very well, and we’re very happy with him. We take into account — and he takes into account — that he is not always at his best level. The game against Atletico was not the best version of him.”
Despite his recent dip in form, Mbappe remains a key player for Los Blancos, with 28 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions this season.
Ancelotti explained that players with extraordinary skill often struggle with consistency, as their game relies heavily on moments of brilliance.
“In such a demanding season, inconsistency is quite normal, above all in a player with such quality,” he said.
“Players with quality have more ups and downs because it’s something genetic. A player that has great quality finds it harder to have consistency, and that’s what happened to him in that game.
“That said, he’s doing very well, and if we’re in the Champions League last 16, it’s because he scored four goals in the (previous) tie.”
Real Madrid sit third in La Liga, three points behind leaders Barcelona, who face Osasuna on Saturday. Ancelotti acknowledged the 1-0 defeat to Betis last weekend, citing lack of preparation time as a key factor.
“We’re ready to fight in all games and in all competitions,” the Italian coach stated.
“I’m much calmer ahead of the game tomorrow because we’ve had five days of rest.”
