Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti defend Kylian Mbappe for not taking penalty vs Getafe

Jude Bellingham took the spot kick in a 2-0 win over Getafe.

After Kylian Mbappe missed his penalty attempt against Liverpool, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti categorically rejected claims that he was a “coward” or “insecure” for abandoning his penalty-taking responsibilities against Getafe.

During his early weeks in Madrid, the Frenchman was constantly plagued by criticism. When Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher saved Mbappe’s second-half penalty during last week’s 2-0 Champions League loss to the English powerhouses, the outcry reached its zenith.

Jude Bellingham stepped up as Mbappe looked on Sunday when Madrid were given a penalty kick against Getafe. The England player sent David Soria the wrong way in a classy manner.

Mbappe managed to score eight minutes later, although he missed a number of opportunities and was still under scrutiny.

The question of whether the number nine was a “coward” for his penalty desertion was covered in the contentious Spanish musical El Chiringuito. In a news conference prior to Madrid’s Wednesday trip to Athletic Club, Ancelotti made his position quite clear.

🤩 @KMbappe 🤩#LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/HOUHpmgTfm

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 3, 2024

Getafe’s penalty can be analysed in two ways,” the Italian said. “Someone sees it as an act of insecurity and we see it as an act of responsibility and altruism. These are two important things for us.

“The altruism of a great talent like Mbappe is an act that we value very much because it means that the one who could be the greatest talent in football is putting himself at the service of the team.

“For me it is not a lack of courage but an important act for his teammates. Everyone at the club values ​​it as an act of altruism. That means he is on the right path. I value it very much.”

Despite acknowledging that the prolific scorer has yet to return to his peak performance, Ancelotti has never been reluctant to defend Mbappe. The Italian revealed that he allows his players to pick who can take a spot-kick during each game, though Mbappe’s overall performance from 12 yards fails to instil a commanding level of confidence.

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