- Kylian Mbappe is struggling to convince Madrid supporters after joining the club
- Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly identified Mbappe as a big problem
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Kylian Mbappe has been identified as the biggest problem in Real Madrid’s current struggles by manager Carlo Ancelotti, according to reports.
The Frenchman was hailed as Madrid’s blockbuster summer signing after refusing to extend his stay at PSG and signing as a free agent with the reigning Champions League holders.
However, life in Spain’s capital has been far from plain sailing for the superstar striker who’s arrival has coincided with Madrid struggling to mount convincing defences of both their LaLiga and European triumphs.
Barcelona recently thrashed Madrid 4-0 in El Clasico to establish a nine-point lead over their rival with Mbappe frustrating Los Blancos fans with his finishing and tendency to stray offside during the match.
His preference to be deployed as a central striker has also forced Jude Bellingham into a deeper lying midfield role with the Englishman yet to score this season after a previous breakthrough campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Kylian Mbappe has reportedly been identified as the biggest problem in Real Madrid’s current struggles
Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti (right) is struggling to get the best out of Mbappe (left)
Mbappe ran just 8km during Madrid’s recent embarrassing El Clasico defeat against Barcelona
Ancelotti has previously stressed he wants to see more from Mbappe, but is now blaming the 25-year-old for his inability to help the team when out of possession, as reported by Relevo.
It is claimed Mbappe has been identified as the team’s biggest problem with his lack of effort in running showing the World Cup winner only ran 8km during Madrid’s embarrassing El Clasico defeat.
The star’s refusal to help his team-mates regain possession has caused an imbalance in Madrid’s set-up that is making them more open and susceptible to counter-attacks.
Mbappe is struggling to replicate his previous superstar form that led to Madrid bringing him to the club
Ancelotti has reportedly identified Mbappe’s lack of defensive contribution as a major problem
Mbappe’s current goal return of just eight goals in 14 matches across all competitions hasn’t been enough to convince club chiefs they have made the right decision in bringing the forward to Madrid.
Meanwhile, PSG are excelling without Mbappe, currently topping the Ligue 1 table and producing more collective team performances in the Frenchman’s absence who left amid sour circumstances.
Arsenal and Les Blues legend Thierry Henry recently praised the French giants for improving without Mbappe who was previously the central figure in the team.
‘They are a bit more stable, less counters. But they still lost Mbappe,’ Henry told CBS Sports.