Ancelotti backs Mbappe to reach Ronaldo's level after hat-trick heroics
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti showered praise on Kylian Mbappe following his sensational hat-trick in a 3-1 victory over Manchester City, which secured the reigning Champions League holders a place in the last 16. The Italian coach even suggested that the French striker has the potential to match the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer with 451 goals.
"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 said in his post-match press conference.
Mbappe’s stellar performance ensured that Madrid progressed to the knockout stage, but Ancelotti emphasized that the team's success is built on collective effort rather than individual brilliance. "Everyone was waiting for this hat-trick from him and it has finally arrived. But Mbappe 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."
The French forward, who netted 256 goals in 308 appearances during his time at Paris Saint-Germain, remains focused on team glory rather than personal accolades. "I was the Champions League's top scorer last year, but did I win it? No," Mbappe stated. "I don't care about being the leading scorer, in my career, I have scored many goals. If with these goals we win titles I will sign with my blood. If I can score 50, all the better, but all I want is to win titles."
Real Madrid will face either Bayer Leverkusen or city rivals Atletico Madrid in the next round, with the draw set to determine their opponent. Ancelotti admitted that their sluggish start to the season forced them into the additional knockout round but acknowledged that the competition is only getting tougher from here.
"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."
Mbappe, on the other hand, expressed a preference for facing Atletico Madrid over Leverkusen in the next round. "For me it is better to play against Atletico because we don't have to travel, because we travel a lot. They would be two very difficult games but one without traveling."
With Madrid eyeing a record-extending 16th Champions League title, Ancelotti and Mbappe remain focused on the challenges ahead as the business end of the season approaches.
SportsLigue