1:1 at RCD Mallorca, now 1:1 at UD Las Palmas – champions Real Madrid once again dropped points and are still waiting for a goal from their star signing. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is taking responsibility for himself, the Spanish media are worried – especially about Mbappé.
Real Madrid actually seemed to be unbeatable for years to come. Well, many a great player in world football has already fallen flat on his face with this prediction. But in the Spanish capital and beyond there was little doubt that the Royals would become even stronger with the transfer of Kylian Mbappé. And that as reigning champions and Champions League winners. But things are not going well in the new season. Mbappé is still waiting for his first league goal and Hansi Flick has already pulled ahead by four points with arch-rivals FC Barcelona. It is of course too early for royal panic, but not for alarm.
The reaction after the poor 1:1 against UD Las Palmas was not only triggered by the country’s ever-nervous media. Coach Carlo Ancelotti also sees that things have to change quickly. His footballers only got five points from the first three games. That is too little compared to their own expectations and the squad’s value of 1.34 billion euros. Coach Ancelotti is primarily taking responsibility for himself: “I have to bring a clearer strategy onto the field to give the players more clarity.” The problems are clearly recognized and clearly named: “We are currently finding it difficult to find our game. We are not quick enough in circulating the ball, we are finding it difficult to win the ball back.”
And yet it had all started so well: the European football elite had gotten a small taste of what was in store for them this season in the European Super Cup. With its insane speed, the offense thundered over Atalanta Bergamo at times. “It was a magical night. I dreamed about it, now it’s reality,” said Mbappé afterwards, who scored once and was finally able to celebrate his first international title at club level. And after that it seemed clear that it would certainly not be the only one. But now the stuttering start in the league, questions and the search for answers and solutions.
“Something is wrong with Mbappé”
Two draws after three games are nothing that cannot be fixed, wrote the newspaper “Sport”. However, the problems of giving the team an identity after Toni Kroos’ departure and integrating Mbappé are causing concern. The lack of coordination between Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé raises the most questions, wrote “Mundo Deportivo”. The newspaper “AS” focused on the fact that the long-awaited Frenchman has not yet scored. It is not due to a lack of persistence, a lack of attitude or involvement. “But in the moment of truth, Kylian simply cannot do anything.” The “Marca” even goes a step further: “Something is wrong with Mbappé.”
Of course, the focus is on Mbappé. After all, the Frenchman is considered the player who will shape international football in the coming years. The player who can usher in a new era, comparable to the greatness of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. But the Madrilenians are currently dealing with completely different problems. One of them is a recurring problem for years. After major tournaments, many players start playing late and only have a short rest. This affects all major teams.
Who will replace Kroos?
What is new, however, is that Real must cope with the loss of its outstanding strategist and controller Toni Kroos. He ended his active career when the German national team was eliminated from the European Football Championship. With Jude Bellingham, the Royals believe they already have a successor as a central figure in the squad, even if he acts completely differently. However, the young Englishman is currently injured and will be out for a while.
The old Luka Modrić, the Frenchman Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde were not able to fill the vacuum in the control room against Las Palmas. Quite the opposite. The footballers from the island of Gran Canaria were rebellious and took an early and impressive lead through Alberto Moleiro. Vini Junior later equalized with a penalty and thus prevented a disgrace (67th minute). Shortly before the end, Las Palmas celebrated again, but Viti’s goal was ruled offside.
