Carlo Ancelotti sends strong message to Kylian Mbappe critics

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti reiterated his appreciation for Kylian Mbappe in the face of criticism of the Frenchman during Sunday's 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano.

It was reported earlier this month that Madrid officials were growing "increasingly concerned" by a small slump in form from the Frenchman after a minor tooth problem appeared to take its toll on Mbappe's fitness.

While insignificant in isolation, Mbappe's underwhelming form on the pitch sparked memories of his struggles earlier this season, and those concerns were audible from some inside the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, even though he scored in a 2-1 win over Rayo.

"The goal is something that I think is important," Ancelotti said. "Vinicius [Junior] and Mbappe scored two spectacular goals and, up until the 70th minute, they did very well.

"They had the chance to make it 3-1 and for 70 minutes, they did very well, yes. But when I consider that it is time to defend, I take off the forwards. And I have no problem doing so. I have taken minutes off him, as has happened with Rodrygo, and the rest will be good for him for Wednesday.

"I think that, for an hour, he played very well. He scored a spectacular goal, fighting, struggling, tracking back to receive the ball... the goal came from the fact that he went down and then faced up and made a run without the ball. He did very well."

Ancelotti also laughed off reignited concerns about potential fit issues with Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.

"I don't know, I don't see that 'individualism'," he stressed.

"The first goal was a pass from Vinicius to Mbappe, I think, and the second, spectacular individuality from Vinicius. But they tried to combine as always and on Wednesday they will be at their best. The motivation for [the Champions League last 16 second leg against Atletico Madrid] is very high. For everyone."

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