MADRID, Dec 1 — Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti defended Kylian Mbappé amid criticism over his struggles this season, attributing the French striker’s difficulties to the team’s overall inconsistency. Mbappé, who has scored just two goals in his last nine matches, missed a penalty in Wednesday’s Champions League loss to Liverpool, adding to his woes.

Ancelotti emphasized that the issue is not with any individual player but with the team as a whole. He acknowledged Mbappé’s adaptation to Madrid, noting his contributions with eight goals and assists, while stressing that everyone, including himself, needs to improve.

Despite off-field challenges and being excluded from recent France squads, Mbappé remains focused on improving. Ancelotti also pointed to injuries to key players as factors in the loss to Liverpool but expressed confidence that the team will bounce back, with a crucial La Liga match against Getafe on the horizon.