Can Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham & Vinicius Jr play together?! Carlo Ancelotti explains his Real Madrid plan as he insists the Frenchman’s adaptation period is ‘over’

Carlo Ancelotti has set out his vision for Real Madrid’s attack, explaining how Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior can play together.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Madrid’s final La Liga clash of 2024 against Sevilla, Ancelotti insisted that Mbappe’s “adaptation period” is over. The highly-decorated manager explained his plans for the New Year and said that he expects Mbappe to start working more productively with the rest of the team’s star-studded attack, including Bellingham, Vinicius and Rodrygo.

WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

Speaking about his front four, Ancelotti said: “They haven’t played together much because sometimes Rodrygo or Bellingham have been injured. But from what I’ve seen, they combine and adapt very well to each other’s characteristics. Sometimes Mbappe has played on the left, sometimes Vini has played inside and other times Bellingham has dropped to the left. I’m not going to set a position for the four of them, I’ll give them freedom to find the right position.” On Mbappe, he added: “His adaptation period is over. He has shown a good version and can improve. He has played some good games, he has recovered from the small injury he had. He is motivated and happy to be here. He needed this adaptation period, like everyone else, but it is over now.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Los Blancos‘ big summer signing has had a fairly slow start to life in Spain, although his current return of nine goals in 15 games is still more than respectable. Thankfully, the stunning array of talent accompanying him at the top end of the pitch means even when the Frenchman isn’t on top form, Ancelotti’s side has enough firepower to beat any team in world football.

WHAT NEXT FOR ANCELOTTI?

Don Carlo recently became the most successful manager in Real Madrid’s history after winning his 15th trophy with the club, the 2024 Intercontinental Cup. The Italian will be looking to extend that record haul by seeing off challengers Barcelona and Atletico to defend his La Liga title this season. However, there’s a long way to go, with Madrid’s next test a potentially problematic fixture against mid-table Sevilla on Sunday — win it, and they could top the table at Christmas if results go their way.

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