Carlo Ancelotti, the renowned Italian coach of Real Madrid, recently spoke at a forum held in the National Auditorium in Mexico City, where he discussed the successful integration of French star Kylian Mbappé and Brazilian prodigy Endrick into the team. Despite an inconsistent start to the season, Ancelotti remains optimistic, predicting "a great season" for Real Madrid, as the new additions have quickly adapted to both the team and the demands of Spanish football.
Ancelotti emphasized the high expectations that come with being part of Real Madrid, widely regarded as the biggest club in the world. "Real Madrid has very high demands because it's the biggest club in the world. It has the best players. You have to be able to channel their quality to serve the club. That's what we try to do every year, and this year, the newcomers like Kylian and Endrick are adapting very well," Ancelotti stated. He expressed confidence in the team's ability to compete on all fronts, underscoring the importance of perseverance and the club's never-say-die attitude. "We're going to have a great season, competing in all competitions. Winning is very difficult, but our duty is to compete in every game, as always in this club. Never give up and fight until the end. That's what you must do when you wear the Real Madrid shirt," he added.
Reflecting on his extensive and illustrious career, Ancelotti shared some of the principles that have guided him to success. One of the key aspects he highlighted was the importance of honesty and integrity in dealing with others. "Being honest with people" is crucial, he noted, particularly when managing a locker room full of star players. Ancelotti believes that effective leadership is more about persuasion than command. "It's very hard to explain what makes a good leader. It's much more important to convince than to impose. A leader must have the ability to listen to those who work with you. They can always give you ideas that can help. It's important to listen and not think you know everything just because you're the boss. There's always something to learn," he explained.
Ancelotti also discussed the significance of maintaining a positive mindset, even when facing challenges. He admitted that while he is generally calm, there are moments when he loses his temper, although he is selective about when to do so. "You need to think positively, even when things go wrong. There are moments when you need to talk to the players, and you have to choose how to do it. It's not true that I'm always calm. I rarely get angry, but when I do, I go pretty crazy. You have to choose the right moment because there are two ways to make a horse jump an obstacle—with the whip or the carrot. You choose how the horse jumps. If you use the whip, it might throw you off, but if you give it the carrot, it will help you," Ancelotti added, using a metaphor to illustrate his approach to motivating players.
In addition, Ancelotti offered his perspective on handling criticism, particularly during difficult periods. He views defeat not just as a moment of sadness but as an opportunity for growth and improvement. "Defeat is a moment of sadness but an opportunity to try to improve things. You have to get back up, just like in life. Victory is not real happiness. I see it more as a relief because three days later, you have another test. Criticism might return, and it bothers you when you're not able to do self-criticism. But if you do, the criticism takes a back seat," he stated. Ancelotti emphasized the importance of self-awareness and having a clear understanding of what needs to be done, stressing the need to listen and learn continually. He acknowledged that some level of pressure is inevitable and even necessary in life, comparing it to fuel that keeps one going. "A life without pressure or stress doesn't exist. Not too much, but a little is like fuel. The day I no longer feel excitement before a game is the day I need to stop," Ancelotti confessed, expressing his ongoing passion for football and his intention to continue his career at Real Madrid for as long as possible.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé, one of Real Madrid's latest high-profile signings, has been dealing with early criticism regarding his performances this season. As he prepares to join the French national team for their Nations League matches against Italy and Belgium, Mbappé has remained focused on his game, brushing off the critiques of his early-season form. Despite Real Madrid's less-than-stellar start to the 2024-25 season, with the team earning just eight points from their first four games and trailing behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, Mbappé remains undeterred. He broke his scoring drought with a brace in a 2-0 victory over Real Betis, becoming the fourth player in this century to score his first two goals for Real Madrid as a brace, following in the footsteps of Ronaldo, Javier Hernandez, and Dani Ceballos, with Ruud van Nistelrooy having scored a hat-trick.
Mbappé, who had recently recovered from a broken nose that hampered his performance during the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, where he failed to score from open play, is now turning his attention to the national team. "I'm at a point in my life and career where I don't think too much about other people's evaluations," Mbappé told reporters. "I arrive, play and always try to give my best, to be the best possible version for the national team. I love this shirt. Then in football you can't satisfy everyone." He expressed satisfaction with his progress at Real Madrid, stating, "In Madrid it's going very well, we've already won a trophy. It's getting better and better in terms of performance, I've scored goals, now I'm focused on the national team."
Mbappé also provided an update on his physical condition, revealing that he had been advised against surgery for his broken nose by Real Madrid's medical team. "My nose is no longer broken, so it's already better than at the European Championship. I had tests at Real Madrid and they told me that it was not necessary to have surgery, I can breathe and sleep well. Physically, mentally, I'm fine. I am happy," he said.
As France prepares for their opening 2024-25 Nations League fixtures, Mbappé remains determined to contribute to the team's success. Having helped France win the 2020-21 edition of the Nations League by defeating Spain in the final, Mbappé is eager to lift the trophy once again. "For us, there is nothing more important than the French national team, we have already won this competition, and there wasn't an extraordinary reaction," Mbappé noted. "We won in Milan, and at the end of the game, I didn't even feel like I had won a trophy. But, when we lost it, it was the end of the world." France's campaign begins with a match against Italy at the Parc des Princes, followed by a home game against Belgium.
Ancelotti's insights and Mbappé's determination highlight the challenges and pressures that come with being part of a club like Real Madrid, where success is expected, and every performance is scrutinized. However, both men appear ready to face these challenges head-on, with a focus on growth, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.
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