Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has not been able to score for more than a month, but coach Carlo Ancelotti believes it is only a matter of time before the French striker breaks his drought.
Mbappe has scored just one goal in his last seven matches, and has yet to register more than 400 minutes for Real Madrid in all competitions, as he continues to struggle as a central striker.
The 25-year-old was also not called up to the France squad during the international break despite being captain, but Ancelotti said Mbappe had been in good spirits in training sessions ahead of Sunday’s La Liga trip to Leganes.
“This happens to all great strikers,” Ancelotti told reporters on Saturday. “He can feel frustrated, but this is not his case. I see him excited and happy to train with his teammates.”
He added: “Sooner or later he will break the streak of matches in which he did not score goals. Tomorrow he will play a great match because it is just a matter of time.”
“He has incredible quality and he will show it sooner or later.”
Mbappe’s position has been debated since his dream move to the Santiago Bernabeu, with many wondering if he should play on the left, but Ancelotti has been reluctant to switch Vinicius Junior, the team’s top scorer who plays in the same position.
Ancelotti said: “I don’t think Kylian ever asked me for a position on the field. Everyone wants to start.”
“But Mbappe and Vinicius do not have a fixed position on the pitch. It all depends on the match.”
Ancelotti also said he does not need to give Mbappe any specific instructions in training, but the Italian is working with defenders Raul Asensio and Ferland Mendy as he deals with an injury crisis at the back.
Although David Alaba is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, Real lost Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao due to similar injuries.
“We focused on defence, where we tried Raul Asensio and Mendy at right-back,” Ancelotti said.
With the opportunity to sign reinforcements in the mid-season transfer window, Ancelotti said Real will consider its options after facing Sevilla next month in their last match in 2024.