Real Madrid Super Cup Showdown: Carlo Ancelotti Confirms Mbappé’s Availability
Kylian Mbappé is set to make his competitive debut for Real Madrid as they face off against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday. According to coach Carlo Ancelotti, the star forward is ready to take on Atalanta, but won’t reveal whether he’ll start the game or not.
The 25-year-old France international signed a five-year deal with Real Madrid last month, joining the LaLiga giants on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. Mbappé joined his new teammates in preseason training last week and has been adapting well, Ancelotti revealed.
"Kylian has arrived well, like all the other [players] who haven’t had much time [to train]," Ancelotti said in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday. "He’s in good form, he’s adapting well. Obviously, everyone who’s here [with the squad] could play tomorrow."
However, Ancelotti was mum on whether Mbappé would be handed the role of penalty taker for the season. "He takes penalties," Ancelotti confirmed, adding that several other players including Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde have been successful with penalties in recent matches.
Mbappé will certainly face stiff competition for starting berths, with an impressive squad at Ancelotti’s disposal. Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Endrick, Brahim Díaz, Arda Güler, and Jude Bellingham all have claims to a place in the first team, and Ancelotti admitted to struggling with the task of choosing which players to start.
"It ruined my holidays!" Ancelotti joked, "We have a lot of games. The same players can’t play all 70 games [this season]. Last year, those who played less brought a lot to the team, those who started on the bench, and that can be the key."
Mbappé’s presence in the Madrid squad is certainly a major plus for Ancelotti and the players, and his new teammate, defender Dani Carvajal, believes he’ll make a huge difference in their bid for a successful season. "As a teammate, he’s a great player, and he’ll help us a lot to have a great season," Carvajal said.
Madrid will face off against Atalanta at 7:00 PM BST in Warsaw, Poland. A win in this competition will certainly give the LaLiga giants a confidence boost as they head into their league campaign.
Stay ahead of the game! Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates on Real Madrid and all things football!