Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has stated that strikers Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are not letting recent criticism affect them after a slow start to the season.
Mbappe, who recently joined Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain, scored a brace in his latest match after failing to find the net in the first three La Liga games. Meanwhile, Vinicius has managed only one goal in the opening four matches.
Ancelotti, speaking at a press conference on Friday, noted, “They don’t seem affected to me; they are training well and are happy. Kylian is improving every day.”
He added, “Many forget they started their pre-season in mid-August. They didn’t have a proper pre-season and have been improving their fitness through games. They seem very well to me, and happy.”
Mbappe’s arrival from PSG this summer has seen him starting in a central role, while Vinicius continues in his preferred left-wing position. Despite this setup, Vinicius has struggled for form.
“Vinicius is not at his best but he remains very important for us,” Ancelotti said. “The last thing I’m worried about is Vinicius’s state; he always works hard, and it’s just a matter of time before he reaches his peak.”
Ancelotti also mentioned that midfielders Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni would miss the upcoming match against Real Sociedad but might return for their Champions League opener against Stuttgart on Tuesday.
“We’ll see in the next few days if they’re available for Tuesday,” Ancelotti added