Kylian Mbappé “knows what he has to do” in his first Clásico, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Friday, as he backed the star forward to deliver in this weekend’s top-of-the-table LaLiga clash.
Madrid go into the game three points behind leaders Barça, but unbeaten domestically after picking up seven wins and three draws so far.
Mbappé has scored six goals in nine league appearances in a solid start to his time in Spain, but hasn’t received universal praise for his all-round performances.
“We’re satisfied,” Ancelotti said in a news conference. “[Mbappé] has scored goals, he’s very important to the team… He’s looking for his best form. We aren’t in a hurry, and neither is he. Obviously he’ll do better, because he has all the qualities to do better.”
Ancelotti said he hadn’t offered any special advice to Mbappé going into the player’s first Clásico.
“He has experience, he’s often played against Barcelona,” Ancelotti said. “He knows what he has to do … His way of preparing for a game is to be very calm, very straightforward. He believes a lot in his qualities. We’re confident that he’ll bring something to the team [on Saturday], and so is he.”
Both teams shone in the Champions League in midweek, with Madrid coming back from 0-2 down to beat Borussia Dortmund 5-2, while Barça thrashed Bayern Munich 4-1.
“They’re doing very well,” Ancelotti said, praising his counterpart Hansi Flick. “In a game like the Clásico, like a derby, it’s hard to choose a favourite. But luckily, nobody’s made me lose sleep so far.”
Ancelotti described the development of Barca winger Lamine Yamal, 17, as “spectacular.”
“I love his way of playing, his attitude,” Ancelotti said. “He’s a very dangerous player … You have to bear the opponent’s qualities in mind, but you have to be more focused on what you want to do.”
Madrid will face Barcelona without forward Rodrygo Goes, who picked up a thigh problem this week, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, with a recurrence of his adductor injury.