Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said he is not concerned about Kylian Mbappé‘s goal scoring after the forward failed to find the net for a second LaLiga game in a row.
Mbappé joined Madrid on a five-year contract this summer, and opened his account for the club in their UEFA Super Cup win against Atalanta earlier this month.
However the LaLiga champions’ 3-0 victory at the Bernabéu against Real Valladolid on Sunday saw Mbappé substituted after 86 minutes, after his second league game without scoring.
Midfielder Federico Valverde put Madrid ahead after half-time, and substitute Brahim Díaz added a second goal, before Mbappé’s replacement Endrick scored his first goal for the club in the 96th minute.
Speaking in his postmatch news conference, Ancelotti denied that Mbappé’s position at centre-forward — rather than starting off out wide — was limiting his ability to contribute to the team.
“No, I don’t think so at all,” Ancelotti said. “[Mbappé] is a spectacular forward, he’s very fast, he moves well without the ball.
“He had three chances. I think in that position he’ll score, as he’s always scored. I don’t think he has to play on the left or the right. He’ll score goals.”
Ancelotti also praised Endrick, who signed for Madrid this summer after turning 18.
“He looks good,” Ancelotti said. “He has great potential, and with the goal, he showed all his qualities. He has good control, and a good shot.
“He’s a penalty box forward. In small spaces he’s very, very dangerous.”
Madrid’s win over Valladolid followed a 1-1 draw away at Real Mallorca on the opening weekend of the LaLiga season, as they look to defend their title.
The team are currently without midfielders Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, both injured, while defender Ferland Mendy was suspended against Valladolid.
Madrid will travel to Las Palmas on Thursday, before hosting Real Betis next weekend.