Ancelotti: Warning to Rivals – Mbappé’s Adjustment Period Is Over

The French national team captain had a mixed start at Real since joining last summer from Paris Saint-Germain but has shown flashes of brilliance that made him one of the world’s best players.

Mbappé has scored 13 goals in 23 matches across all competitions for Real, and Ancelotti predicts even more goals in the future.

Speaking at a press conference, Ancelotti said:

“I believe the adjustment period is over. He has shown a good version of himself and can still improve, but he has been excellent in recent matches and has recovered from the minor injury he suffered.”

Referring to the 26-year-old, he added:

“He is now more motivated, enthusiastic, and happy to be here. He went through an adjustment phase, which is natural for any player, but it’s behind him now.”

After recovering from a thigh injury, Mbappé scored in Real’s 3-0 victory over Mexico’s Pachuca midweek in the Intercontinental Cup final in Doha.

This season, Mbappé has faced challenges off the field and has struggled to find his ideal role among other Real Madrid stars, especially Brazilian Vinícius Júnior and Englishman Jude Bellingham.

When asked where Mbappé needs to improve, Ancelotti said:

“Just in consistency. He needs to make the moves that no one else can as often as possible.”

He added:

“I don’t ask him to contribute heavily to building play because of his specific qualities. Instead, I want him to focus on finishing plays and scoring.”

Barcelona currently leads the standings on goal difference ahead of Atlético Madrid before their Saturday showdown. Meanwhile, Real sits third, one point behind, as they prepare to host Sevilla on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Ancelotti expects the title race to be tight until the end of the season, saying:

“It will be a much more competitive league than in recent seasons. Atlético has everything needed to fight for the title, and they will. The title race will be very exciting and could be decided with fewer than 90 points.”