Jamie Gittens: Dortmund's latest €100m-rated English wonderkid

Boring, boring Juventus! New boss, same problems for Motta

The best Samsung fitness trackers in 2024

Dele Alli's Origin Story

Ange sleepwalking to Levy axe - but Spurs' problems run deeper

Bellingham is balling again for Madrid - but Mbappe suffers injury

Welcome back Alisson! Keeper stars as Salah sinks Girona

Real Madrid, beware! Awesome Atalanta are UCL contenders

Ashworth farce shows Man Utd in even bigger mess under Sir Jim

Pep makes HUGE statement about his next job after leaving Man City

Guardiola's brother aims dig at Man Utd over Van de Beek

Topuria tells CR7 to 'f*ck himself' & invites Messi to next fight

Amorim is no miracle worker - Utd need a mega-money rebuild

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Mbappe caught up in allegation</li><li>Forward has denied being involved</li><li>Ancelotti says he isn't affected</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Kylian Mbappe has returned a 'different player' as Carlo Ancelotti insists Real Madrid star not 'affected' by Stockholm hotel rape allegation

LaLiga

Rayo Vallecano

Real Madrid

<p>The French footballer travelled to the Swedish capital during the international break and an inquiry into an alleged rape at a hotel where the forward was reportedly present has since been launched. Although no names have been officially connected to the case, the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/swedish-media-alleges-kylian-mbappe-suspect-hotel-rape-reportedly-occurred-real-madrid-star-trip-stockholm-prosecutor-confirms-investigation/blt463d15c0ceebaa9c" target="_blank">Swedish media linked Mbappe to the investigation</a>, prompting the player and his lawyer to dismiss the reports <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/fake-news-kylian-mbappe-report-police-investigation-swedish-hotel-real-madrid-star/blte342fd9d7d3126c2" target="_blank">as a "slanderous rumour."</a></p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>As Real Madrid are set to return to action, Ancelotti was questioned about Mbappe's activities during his time off and whether the player had informed the club about his trip to Sweden. The Italian downplayed any controversy, explaining that the players were free to spend their rest days as they wished.</p><p>"The rest days were scheduled for him and then everyone chooses what they want to do," Ancelotti said. "I went to London for two days and I haven't asked anyone's permission. I also don't have a travel agency to organise the players' trips."</p><p>When asked <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/kylian-mbappe-lawyer-real-madrid-star-flabbergasted-swedish-rape-investigation/blt5a72e4306840c6a3" target="_blank">if Mbappe was "affected" by the media speculation,</a> Ancelotti said: "I talk to the players every day. I can comment on what I said before, which at this point is speculation. I don't see him affected at all, [and instead] with a lot of enthusiasm to contribute to the team."</p>

WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

<p>Beyond the off-field issues, Ancelotti was eager to focus on Mbappe’s physical condition as he had been recovering from a recent muscle injury. The coach informed that Mbappe was nearing 100 per cent fitness and expressed his admiration for the effort that the player put in during the two-week break from competitive action.</p><p>"He's taken advantage of the break to improve his condition," Ancelotti revealed. "He's very well, happy, and looking forward to returning tomorrow and being important for the team. These 15 days have helped him a lot, because he is a different player to what he was before the break.</p><p>"On a tactical level, his position does not change from how he has played in recent games. He can vary his position on the left wing with Vinicius, but we have been focused on physical work. This break has been good for him and I see him very well."</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>With Real Madrid currently trailing Barcelona by three points in La Liga, Mbappe is expected to fire on all cylinders in their upcoming match against Celta Vigo on Saturday. Los Blancos will have little time to regroup after their visit to Balaidos as they are slated to host Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona next in the Champions League and La Liga respectively.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

Kylian Mbappe has returned a 'different player' as Carlo Ancelotti insists Real Madrid star not 'affected' by Stockholm hotel rape allegation | Goal.com United Arab Emirates

Carlo Ancelotti insisted that Kylian Mbappe has not been &quot;affected&quot; by Stockholm hotel rape allegation and has instead returned a &quot;different player&quot;.

Kylian Mbappe has returned a &apos;different player&apos; as Carlo Ancelotti insists Real Madrid star not &apos;affected&apos; by Stockholm hotel rape allegation