‘He didn’t get many shots right’ - Carlo Ancelotti admits Kylian Mbappe is ‘lacking in confidence’ after Liverpool penalty miss as he reveals ‘medicine’ for misfiring Real Madrid star

Mbappe's missed penalty at Anfield on Wednesday night condemned the European champions to defeat in the Champions League. The Frenchman's saved effort was the story of his season so far as he strives to recapture his best form as a Madrid player. Head coach Ancelotti has no doubts that the 25-year-old will deliver, but he says Mbappe must be patient in the meantime.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Ancelotti said: "It has happened many times that forwards have a hard time scoring. There is a medicine which is to be patient. It is a difficult moment for him, especially after missing the penalty. Everyone has to support him. He may be a bit lacking in confidence. When things don't go your way, the idea you have to have is to play simple. It's a bit like this moment, but you can't judge him for missing a penalty. All players miss penalties. He has to keep working well. We have to be patient because he's an extraordinary player."

Ancelotti added: "Like the others, he fought, he competed, he didn't get many shots right, he missed the penalty and it's going to be a difficult moment, but he has the support of everyone.

"Missing a penalty in a game like that, the player is a little disappointed, but he has to look forward."

Ancelotti joins Jude Bellingham and Luka Modric in expressing their support for the former Paris Saint-Germain man. Even with eight goals to his name in 2024-25, Mbappe's expectations are so high that fans and pundits may never be truly satisfied unless he is putting up numbers similar to that of former Galactico Cristiano Ronaldo.

With Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo out injured, it will be up to Mbappe to help Madrid close the gap on Barcelona in La Liga. Los Blancos sit four points behind Hansi Flick's men but have a game in hand on their rivals. Mbappe will be hoping to get on the scoresheet against Getafe on Sunday.