Carlo Ancelotti: Speculations that Mbappe’s mental health is “ugly”

Last Update:23 November 2024 20:50 IST

The striker was left out of France’s final Nations League matches for the second time in two months and has been linked to a rape investigation in Sweden, which Mbappe has denied.

Carlo Ancelotti and Kylian Mbappe in training at Real Madrid (X)

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Saturday it was “outrageous” to speculate about the mental health of superstar striker Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe has scored just one goal in all competitions in his last seven appearances for Madrid and is also embroiled in a multimillion-euro pay dispute with his former club Paris Saint-Germain.

Ancelotti was asked in his weekly press conference whether the striker was dealing with the pressure.

“What a question, but I don’t have the impression that he has any mental health problems,” Ancelotti said.

“I see him as happy to be here, if he is he doesn’t show it, but I think it’s a bit outrageous to speculate about such issues.”

The striker was left out of France’s final Nations League matches for the second time in two months and has been linked to a rape investigation in Sweden, which Mbappe has denied.

France coach Didier Deschamps did not select the 25-year-old player for the matches against Israel and Italy, saying “it was better this way”.

Ancelotti said he was sure that Mbappe, who joined Madrid this summer after the PSG agreement, would score the goal away at Leganes at the weekend.

Ancelotti continued: “There are always bad moments, all great forwards have had those moments, but he is motivated and happy and that’s all I can see.”

“I believe he will have a great match tomorrow and this will all be over.

“He has outstanding qualities, it’s just a matter of time.”

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – AFP)