Ancelotti: It s easy to coach Mbappe, in my opinion he is the best fit for center

Recently, Brazilian national team coach and former Real Madrid coach Ancelotti was interviewed by the "Team Daily" and talked about Mbappe in the interview.

Mbappe once said that choosing Real Madrid is also a decision that follows his inner self. Is he right to obey his heart?

Ancelotti: Of course.

Is it easy to coach Mbappe?

Ancelotti: Very easy. Mbappe has never made any request to me in the past year - whether it is penalty kick, playing time, rest or free kick... never asked for it. He always behaves well and remains humble. On the individual level, he played a high-level season and scored 44 goals. I believe his second season will be better because he has adapted to the team and his teammates are familiar with his characteristics.

Is it a decision to ask him to play No. 9 after discussing with him?

Ancelotti: Not at all. In my opinion, Mbappe is the center. This position can best utilize its traits: fast speed, good technology, strong agility, and can achieve lightning-like cooperation in a small space. He needs to get closer to the goal. Of course he can show the same qualities on the wing, but I think the goals will be reduced. In recent years, the intensity of football matches has continued to increase, and the physical requirements of wing players are much higher than those a few years ago. The running requirements for wide players are always more demanding. Therefore, for Mbappe, it is more appropriate to play as a striker.

is because he doesn't like defense?

Ancelotti: It’s not that he doesn’t like defense. But for players with characteristics like him, the first priority is to score goals.

How to let the management understand that the team is not a simple pile of stars?

Ancelotti: I think signing Mbappe was a very correct decision. Since Benzema (2023) left the team, Real Madrid has introduced Joselu, and he performed well when he appeared. But clubs like Real Madrid need centers like Mbappe. Just like Benzema back then, like Butragno. What is needed is Real Madrid's center. I must emphasize that no one could have expected the loss of an irreplaceable player like Kavajal at the beginning of last season. A replacement may be found at the technical level, but the role of locker room leaders can never be replaced.