Ancelotti Confident Mbappe’s Motivation Remains Strong Despite Setbacks

Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti, said his troubled French striker, Kylian Mbappe was as down as the rest of the team over recent setbacks but remained motivated ahead of Saturday’s Liga clash with Osasuna.

Caught up in a sexual assault investigation in Sweden and facing challenges in the high-pressure environment of Real Madrid, Mbappe was omitted from France coach Didier Deschamps’ squad for the upcoming Nations League matches this week.

“Mbappe is down but not out,” Ancelotti said of his club form, adding that the 25-year-old remained “motivated”.

The European champions were hammered 4-0 by rivals Barcelonahammered 4-0 by rivals Barcelona at the end of October and are now nine points behind their great rivals in La Liga.

On top of that, they slumped to a second consecutive home defeat Tuesday, with AC Milan triumphing 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Mbappe has been some way off his best but the Italian coach refused to lay the blame at his door.

“The problem he’s having is everyone’s problem. We haven’t hit our stride yet. But I’m convinced Mbappe is going to get through this difficult moment,” he said.

“You could point at Vinicius (Junior), Rodrygo or (Jude) Bellingham. It is a difficult moment for everyone.

“You can’t let your head drop, you have to hold it high.”

However, Ancelotti refrained from speculating on Mbappe’s second consecutive exclusion from the World Cup finalists’ squad.

“It is a decision of the national team coach and I do not have the right to judge it. I do not allow myself to do so,” said Ancelotti.

France is set to face Israel at the Stade de France on November 14th, followed by a match against Italy in Milan three days later.