Real Madrid News
Ancelotti defends struggling Real Madrid star after Athletic Club nightmare – ‘We have to give him time’
Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media following Real Madrid’s narrow defeat against Athletic Club, which raised several concerns, particularly concerning Kylian Mbappe.
The French superstar once again missed a crucial penalty, leaving questions about his form and confidence. While the defeat was a team effort, Mbappe’s struggles were a focal point in the post-match discussion.
Ancelotti, known for his calm demeanour, refused to single out Mbappe for the result. He acknowledged the player’s current struggles, highlighting that adapting to Real Madrid’s system takes time.
“I haven’t spoken to him. I don’t evaluate a player’s performance based on a penalty, he’s sad and disappointed but we have to keep going,” said the manager.
Mbappe needs time
While Mbappe has not yet reached the level of dominance he displayed during his Paris Saint-Germain days, the coach emphasised that patience is key.
“He’s not at his best but we have to give him time to adapt. He can do better and he’s working to do better.”
With 20 matches played and 10 goals scored, Mbappe has shown flashes of brilliance but is yet to consistently reach his peak. His two missed penalties this season, however, are raising eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
“He’s much more than 1%. He’s not at his best, but we have to give him time to adapt. He’s scored 10 goals and is working to do better,” explained the manager.
Penalty takers
The coach also addressed questions about whether the team’s designated penalty taker could be changed. While he did not dismiss the idea, Ancelotti framed such issues as normal in football.
He suggested that penalty-taking is as much about mental preparation as it is about skill, and players must step up to take responsibility when the moment arises. In this instance, Mbappe took the responsibility but was unable to deliver, further fuelling the debate.
“It doesn’t bother me, it’s part of football. I think the two of them [Bellingham and Mbappe] have spoken and he has taken responsibility and he hasn’t taken it well. This can happen in football.”
While Mbappe’s form remains under scrutiny, his talent and potential are undeniable. Real Madrid will need him at his best as they continue to chase silverware this season.
Source: AS
In a major update, AS reports that former Real Madrid midfielder and club legend Toni Kroos has taken his first step towards starting his coaching career.
The former Germany international has told the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) that he is interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers.
Real Madrid tried to bring Kroos back
It is no secret that Real Madrid considered bringing Toni Kroos back into the club’s structure after the end of the last season.
The club president, Florentino Perez, had wanted Kroos to have a daily presence at Valdebebas rather than making occasional appearances after his retirement.
Jose Angel Sanchez and Kroos spoke after Perez expressed his desire to see the German working at Valdebebas every day. However, they did not find the right moment, time or structure to give his return a clear form.
A comeback remains one of the possibilities most desired by Madrid supporters because of Kroos’ charisma and what he represents at the Santiago Bernabeu. Neither side wanted him to return simply for the sake of it, so the door remains open for the future.
The relationship between the two parties is excellent, and both know that the opportunity to work together again will eventually come.
Taking it step by step
For now, Kroos continues to run the academy he established in Boadilla, enjoying the opportunity to help develop younger players.
After two years away from the competitive side of football, however, he is beginning to look towards the dugout as a possible next step in his career.
Kroos currently holds coaching qualifications that allow him to work up to the third tier of Spanish football.
This is possible because professionals with at least seven years of proven experience and significant involvement at the elite level can gain direct access to accelerated coaching courses.
That means Kroos could coach a team in Primera Federacion, but the German wants to take things gradually.
Kroos has already informed the RFEF that he would be interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers during the 2027/28 season.
The course taking place this season is not available to elite former players, with UEFA limiting each campaign to 20 places.
With his current qualifications, Kroos could work as an assistant coach, but he cannot yet take charge as a head coach in either the top flight or the Segunda División.
But completing that programme would allow Kroos to obtain the UEFA A licence, which would enable him to coach teams at any level.
