Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has pointed to Kylian Mbappe as a significant factor in the team’s ongoing struggles for form. The French captain joined Los Blancos this summer as a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, but his transition to life in Madrid has not been smooth.

Since arriving, Mbappe’s presence has coincided with a challenging period for the Spanish giants, who are grappling with the task of defending their La Liga and European titles. Their recent 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in El Clasico left many fans frustrated, particularly with Mbappe’s performance, which included missed opportunities and a troubling tendency to drift offside.

At just 25 years old, Mbappe prefers to play as a central striker, a role that has inadvertently pushed Jude Bellingham into a deeper midfield position. This tactical shift has impacted Bellingham’s form, as he has yet to score this season after an impressive breakout campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu.

As Ancelotti assesses the challenges facing his squad, the spotlight is firmly on Mbappe to step up and deliver the performances expected of a player of his caliber. The club will be looking for a turnaround in their fortunes as they continue their pursuit of success in both domestic and European competitions.