Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti says he has no concerns about striker Kylian Mbappe’s scoring after the Frenchman failed to score for the second successive game in La Liga.
Mbappe joined Madrid on a five-year deal this summer and scored his first goal for the club in their UEFA Super Cup win over Atalanta earlier this month.
However, Embappe was substituted after 86 minutes in his second league game without scoring a goal in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Real Valladolid in La Liga’s Champions League at the Bernabeu.
“I’m really happy. We started with a win at the Bernabeu and we got the three points,” Mbappé told Real Madrid TV after the match.
“It was a great night. The fans were great. We wanted to win our first game (here). It’s a dream to play in this stadium, but we have another game on Thursday and we want to win again.”
Midfielder Federico Valverde opened the scoring for Madrid after half-time, substitute Brahim Dias added the second and Endric, who came on for Embappe, scored his first goal for the club in the 96th minute.
In his post-match press conference, Ancelotti denied claims that Embappe was struggling to contribute as a central striker rather than playing as a winger.
“No, I don’t think so at all,” Ancelotti said. “(Mbappe) is a great forward, very quick, moves well without the ball.
“He’s had three chances. I think he’ll score from that position, like he’s always scored. I don’t think he needs to play left or right. He’ll score.”
Ancelotti also praised Endric, who joined Madrid this summer after turning 18.
“He looks good,” Ancelotti said. “He has great potential and he showed all his qualities by scoring goals. He has good control and a good shot.
“He’s a penalty box forward. In tight spaces he’s very, very dangerous.”
Madrid started their title defence with a 1-1 draw away to Real Mallorca and a win over Valladolid on the first weekend of the La Liga season.
The team is currently without midfielders Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga through injury, while defender Ferland Mendy is suspended for the game against Valladolid.
Madrid travel to Las Palmas on Thursday before taking on Real Betis next weekend.
