Ancelotti prioritizes scoring over pressing from Madrid star Mbappe

Real Madrid’s Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke at a press conference before the UEFA Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund, emphasizing the importance of striker Kylian Mbappe focusing on scoring goals rather than pressing. The team has been struggling to find their peak performance this season, especially with the incorporation of Mbappe after his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain. Ancelotti believes that Mbappe’s central striker position should prioritize goal-scoring and rapid transitions when the team regains possession.
Mbappe has scored eight goals in 12 games for Real Madrid this season, compared to Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski who has scored 14 goals in the same number of appearances. His presence in the team has led to a shift in Jude Bellingham’s role to a more defensive position, affecting his goal-scoring abilities. Ancelotti expressed his satisfaction with Bellingham’s efforts on the pitch, highlighting his hard work, competitiveness, and sacrifices for the team, despite not scoring as many goals as last season.
With an attacking lineup that includes Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes, Ancelotti believes that Real Madrid thrives in end-to-end matches, showcasing their attacking talent. The coach prefers a style of play that allows for quick transitions and exciting football, as it suits the characteristics of his players. While possession-based play may not be their strong suit due to the lack of players suited for tight spaces, Ancelotti emphasizes the team’s focus on improving their defensive performance to complement their attacking prowess.
Real Madrid faces Borussia Dortmund in a crucial Champions League matchup, seeking to bounce back from their loss against Lille in the previous game. Ancelotti’s strategy focuses on utilizing Mbappe’s goal-scoring abilities, maintaining defensive solidity, and maximizing the attacking talent of the team to secure a positive result. The coach’s approach to the game reflects his belief in playing to the strengths of his players and adapting to the challenges posed by each opponent. Overall, Real Madrid under Ancelotti’s leadership strives for a balanced and effective style of play that combines defensive stability with attacking flair.