Kylian Mbappé’s start at Real Madrid has been challenging, with one of the key issues being his position on the field.
According to Sport, the French star is unhappy playing as a central striker, and coach Carlo Ancelotti is struggling to resolve the situation. Mbappé, who prefers to play from the left wing, finds himself in direct conflict with Brazilian teammate Vinícius Júnior, who currently occupies that position.
The report highlights that Mbappé’s role at Madrid has destabilized both the offensive and defensive aspects of the team. Despite his arrival as a major signing, his performance has not met expectations. The French forward has scored 8 goals in 15 matches, a far cry from his prolific record at Paris Saint-Germain, where he thrived on the left wing with more freedom.
At Madrid, Mbappé has found fewer spaces and opportunities, and this has led to growing frustration. His lack of consistency in front of goal, combined with a limited defensive contribution compared to teammates like Vinícius and Rodrygo, has sparked criticism.
Real Madrid was aware of Mbappé’s past friction with Neymar at PSG due to overlapping roles, and while the Brazilian’s injuries allowed Mbappé to take on a more prominent role, the club ultimately chose to sell Neymar to give Mbappé more control. Now at Madrid, Vinícius holds Mbappé’s preferred position, making it difficult for the French star to adjust.
Madrid may now face a tough decision between the two players, as they struggle to build a sustainable project. Sources close to Mbappé indicate concern over his situation, with some questioning whether his move to Madrid was a mistake that could impact his career progression.
In the midst of these tensions, Mbappé’s arrival has also affected other players. Rodrygo has seen reduced playing time, and Jude Bellingham has been forced to adopt a deeper role, exhausting himself to cover for the forwards’ defensive gaps.
As Ancelotti grapples with this tactical dilemma, it remains unclear how the club will resolve the issues surrounding Mbappé’s position.
