Carlo Ancelotti has admitted Kylian Mbappe has not been “at his best level” since joining Real Madrid after missing a penalty in Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Athletic Club.
Just a week after missing from the spot against Liverpool in the Champions League, the France star endured more misery as his tame shot was easily saved by Julen Agirrezabala while 1-0 down to Alex Berenguer’s opener at San Mames.
Jude Bellingham later equalised but the Basque side went on to win the game courtesy of Gorka Guruzeta’s winner which saw Los Blancos lose ground behind Barcelona in the LaLiga title race.
Mbappe has scored 10 goals in all competitions since his much-publicised switch to Spain but his manager has admitted the France captain is yet to reach the heights expected of him.
“He is not at his best level, but you have to give him time to adapt. He has scored 10 goals and is working to do better,” said Ancelotti of Mbappe’s performance.
“I haven’t spoken to him. It was a complicated match – even, competitive. When we equalised we could think of having control and small details penalised us tonight.
“We missed the penalty. I don’t have to evaluate a player’s game because of a penalty that is sometimes scored and sometimes missed. Obviously he is disappointed but we have to continue.”
Mbappé’s penalty is saved by Julen Agirrezabala! 😱#LALIGAHighlights | #AthleticRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/oSeUFtFPCS
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) December 4, 2024
On whether Real would look to change penalty takers after Mbappe’s two misses, Ancelotti added: “Vinicius has taken many penalties and done well. Our penalty takers are Mbappe, Bellingham, and Vinicius.”
Reflecting on the match, the Italian coach said: “The game was evenly matched. Athletic is a very dangerous team; we competed and fought hard. I think a draw would have been fair based on the performance of both teams, but I have nothing to say about them winning.
“I think we defended well in the first half, but we could have done better with the ball. In the second half, we were better in attack and had opportunities.
“We’re still in the fight. We could have gotten a better result, but we’re here and thinking about Saturday’s game in Girona.
Mbappe: I take full responsibility
Mbappe also took to social media to take responsibility to his underwhelming start to life at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Bad result,” he wrote. “A big mistake in a match in which every detail counts.
“I take full responsibility. It’s a difficult time, but it’s the best time to change this situation and show who I am.”
The defeat hands the initiative back to Barca in the title race, with their bitter rivals four points clear but having played a game more.