Brazil Coach Ancelotti Commends Kylian Mbappe

Praise for Mbappe’s Attitude and Performance

Brazil’s national team manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has expressed high regard for Kylian Mbappe. The two collaborated last season at Real Madrid before Ancelotti transitioned to his current role with the Brazilian squad.

Ancelotti shared his thoughts with France Football, stating, “Over the course of the year, Mbappe never made any demands, whether it was about taking penalties, his playing time, or free-kicks. He consistently displayed humility and professionalism. He had an outstanding season, netting 44 goals, but I anticipate that this upcoming season will be even more impressive since he is well-adjusted and has developed a strong rapport with his teammates.”

Mbappe’s Optimal Position

When asked to clarify Mbappe’s ideal playing position, Ancelotti responded, “In my view, Mbappe is best utilized as a center forward. His speed, technique, and ability to work effectively in confined spaces make him a prominent threat close to the opponent’s goal. While he can perform on the wings, his scoring opportunities diminish from those positions. Regarding his defensive capabilities, it’s not that he avoids defending; it’s just that players with his skills are primarily expected to focus on scoring goals.”

Relationship with Vinicius Jr.

Ancelotti also addressed his work with Vinicius Jr., noting, “Is he straightforward to coach? Absolutely. I share an excellent rapport with Vinicius; he adheres to my instructions, and I’ve encountered no issues with him. While coaching a national team, such conflicts are typically rare.”

He added, “If a player feels dissatisfied with their role, I can simply bring in someone else. Unlike when managing a club, I no longer have the responsibility of coaching a player throughout an entire season.”