Carlo Ancelotti backs Kylian Mbappe to reach Cristiano Ronaldo's level at Real Madrid

The Frenchman scored a hattrick against Man City in the Champions League.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti stated that Kylian Mbappé has the ability to catch up to club legend Cristiano Ronaldo. Mbappe’s hat-trick in Wednesday’s 3-1 victory against Manchester City helped advance the reigning Champions League winners to the round of 16.

With 451 goals in 438 appearances for the 15-time Champions League champions, Ronaldo is Madrid’s top scorer.

“He has the quality to reach his numbers, but he has to work, because Cristiano set the bar very high, but he is so excited to play here, he can reach Cristiano’s level,” Ancelotti told in a press conference.

“Everyone was waiting for this hat trick from him and it has finally arrived. But Mbappé is not the only one, we have many players who make a difference. And they make a difference with their collective work above their individual quality which is remarkable.”

Klyian Mbappé claimed he didn’t care about being the top goalscorer if it didn’t result in trophies. Mbappé had scored 256 goals in 308 games throughout his six years at Paris Saint-Germain.

However, since joining Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe struggled to make an impression and was met with constant criticism from the media. But the forward has now solidified himself at the club since the turn of the year.

The holders will play Bayer Leverkusen or city rivals Atletico Madrid, which will be determined by Friday’s draw, as they aim for a record-extending 16th title. Ancelotti bemoaned that his team had to endure the agony of the playoffs round but claimed that they were responsible after a sluggish start to the season that saw them finish outside the top eight in the league phase standings.

“It’s not positive at all having to go through the knock-out because we had to play 10 games to get to the last 16,” Ancelotti said.

“We’re not coming out of a difficult period, we’re entering one because this is when the real season starts. There is no way to stop, to rest. But on an emotional level, sure, this tie has been good for us. Let’s keep rolling.”

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