Carletto defends Mbappe, claims two departures are to blame for Real Madrid's stumbling
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 16.03.26. | 15:44
The former Los Blancos coach believes the French forward is not the cause of the team's poorer performances. It's all about chemistry
Carlo Ancelotti may have left the Real Madrid bench at the end of last season, but his connection with the club remains as strong as ever.
The 66-year-old stepped aside to make way for Xabi Alonso, bringing an end to another successful spell at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Yet Ancelotti admits he still keeps a close eye on everything happening at the club.
"I live calmly because every stage in life has its moment," he told Marca. "I have fantastic memories of a very long period at Real Madrid and great affection for the club and the people who work there.
"Now I'm in another project and I live it with the same intensity. But when they play, I follow the game - not only to see the Brazilians, but also to watch Real Madrid and cheer them on.”
The Italian was also asked about Madrid’s struggles over the past two seasons. Despite the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, the club has not managed to maintain the dominance many expected.
For Ancelotti, the explanation lies elsewhere - in the departures that reshaped the dressing room.
"Football changes with very small things, and with that the chemistry changes," he said. "It's not just about swapping Kroos for Mbappe.
"That same summer Nacho left, Carvajal got injured and Modric played less. The old generation that created an incredible atmosphere in the dressing room disappeared, and a new one has to build its own character and personality. That takes time."
Ancelotti stressed that Mbappe's performances were never the issue.
"Mbappe did fantastically, scoring around 50 goals. But football is about small details. When you change important pieces, things don't always click immediately."
The veteran coach also backed Vinicius Junior to shine at the upcoming World Cup, which will be his first in charge of Brazil.
"Vinicius has never failed in the big games," Ancelotti said. "I can't remember a semi-final or quarter-final where he disappeared.
"He may have had moments of frustration, like in Valencia, but in the important matches, he always shows up. I'm convinced he can have a great World Cup."
LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 28
Friday
Alaves - Villarreal 1-1 (1-0)
/Marin 41 og - Pepe 90+8/
Saturday
Girona - Ath. Bilbao 3-0 (2-0)
/Rincon 4, Ounahi 77, Echeverri 90+2/
Atl. Madrid - Getafe 1-0 (1-0)
/Molina 8/
Oviedo - Valencia 1-0 (1-0)
/Costas 30/
Real Madrid - Elche 4-1 (2-0)
/Rudiger 39, Valverde 44, Huijsen 66, Guler 89 - Moran 85 og/
Sunday
Mallorca - Espanyol 2-1 (0-1)
/Torre 65, Costa 88 - Pickel 36/
Barcelona - Sevilla 5-2 (3-1)
/Raphinha 9 pen, 21 pen, 51, Olmo 38, Cancelo 60 - Oso 45+3, Sow 90+2/
Betis - Celta 1-1 (0-1)
/Bellerin 49 - Jutgla 4/
Real Sociedad - Osasuna 3-1 (2-0)
/Oyarzabal 24 pen, Guedes 28, 52 - Munoz 77/
Monday
23.00: (1.70) Rayo Vallecano (4.00) Levante (5.30)
***odds are subject to change***