In a frank press conference, Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos expressed his dissatisfaction with Kylian Mbappe’s recent performances. Mbappe, who joined the club to much excitement, has faced intense criticism from both fans and analysts. Ramos’ comments have further fueled the debate about Mbappe’s role and effectiveness under manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Ramos, a legendary figure from his 16-year tenure at Real Madrid, criticized Mbappe’s impact on the team. He highlighted issues such as losing possession frequently, having fewer touches than goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, and poor passing accuracy. “He can’t even hold on to the ball just to save his life,” Ramos remarked.
These comments point to concerns about Mbappe’s fit within Ancelotti’s tactical plans. His recent performances, characterized by frequent turnovers and ineffective playmaking, have raised questions about his integration into the team. Given Mbappe’s substantial weekly salary of £180,000, his underwhelming contributions are under heightened scrutiny at a club with Real Madrid’s prestige.
Ramos further criticized Mbappe, calling him the “biggest problem” for Ancelotti as he seeks to build a cohesive team. Ancelotti, known for his calm and adaptable approach, has been working to incorporate Mbappe into a dynamic attacking framework alongside players like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham. However, Mbappe’s performance issues may be hindering Ancelotti’s overall strategy.
“He [Mbappe] is not fitting into the rhythm or the chemistry that Ancelotti is trying to create,” Ramos said. “It’s not just about scoring goals. It’s about being part of a system, knowing when to hold up play, when to pass, when to track back. Right now, he’s not doing any of that effectively.”
With high expectations from fans, Real Madrid hoped Mbappe’s arrival would be the key to regaining their European dominance. However, his inconsistent displays have raised doubts about how well he fits into Ancelotti’s vision and whether his style complements or disrupts the team’s dynamics.
Ancelotti has not yet publicly responded to Ramos’ critique, but managing Mbappe’s integration will clearly be a significant challenge this season. Known for handling high-profile players and complex team dynamics, Ancelotti will need to apply both tactical and psychological strategies to align Mbappe with the team’s goals.
Ramos’ critique highlights growing concerns about Mbappe’s role at Real Madrid. While some may find Ramos’ comments harsh, they reflect a broader concern among supporters and analysts. The task now falls on both Mbappe and Ancelotti to address these issues and prove that the forward can be a pivotal part of the team’s success, rather than an obstacle.
