Carlo Ancelotti has said Kylian Mbappe will be "squeezed in" at Real Madrid while addressing positional concerns surrounding their new galactico.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
- Mbappe unveiled as new Real Madrid player
- There are concerns over his role in a star-studded squad
- Ancelotti confident he will fit in alongside Vini Jr & Co
- Getty
WHAT HAPPENED?
Mbappe was officially introduced as a Real Madrid player in front of an 80-000 strong crowd last week, having joined the club on a free transfer following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain. However, concerns have been raised over the Frenchman's role at Santiago Bernabeu amid strong competition for places in the final third.
Advertisement
-
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Ancelotti faces the crucial task of integrating Mbappe into an already formidable attack featuring Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham. Up to now, the 25-year-old has operated mainly as a left winger, but Vinicius has made that position his own in the Real lineup, meaning Ancelotti may have to conjure up a new tactical system in 2024-25.
-
WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID
Speaking at the Giffoni Film Festival, Ancelotti said when quizzed on where Real's new galactico will play: "It is my responsibility to find a place for Mbappe. We’ll find a place for him, we’ll squeeze him in.”
- (C)GettyImages
DID YOU KNOW?
Reports in Spain suggest that Ancelotti is contemplating shifting Mbappe to a more central role to maximize his effectiveness and balance the team's attacking dynamics. Vinicius would continue to feature on the left with Rodrygo once again operating on the opposite flank. Meanwhile, Bellingham has been tipped to drop deeper into midfield and could even be asked to slot into the vacant shoes of German legend Toni Kroos – who retired after Euro 2024.