Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has said he is not worried about Kylian Mbappe's goal after the forward failed to find the target for a second consecutive La Liga game.
Mbappe joined Madrid on a five-year contract this summer and opened his account for the club in their UEFA Super Cup win over Atalanta earlier this month.
However, the LaLiga champions' 3-0 win at the Bernabeu against Real Valladolid on Sunday saw Mbappe substituted in the 86th minute, after his second league game without scoring.
“I'm very happy. I started at the Bernabéu winning the game and we got the three points,” said Mbappé on Real Madrid TV after the match.
“It was a great night. The fans were at their best. We wanted to win the first game.” [here]”It's a dream to play in this stadium, but we have another game on Thursday and we want to win again.”
Midfielder Federico Valverde put Madrid ahead shortly after the break and substitute Brahim Diaz added a second before Endrick, replacing Mbappe, scored his first goal for the club in the 96th minute.
In his post-match press conference, Ancelotti denied that Mbappé's position as a centre-forward (rather than playing as a winger) was limiting his ability to contribute to the team.
“No, I don't think so at all,” said Ancelotti.[Mbappé] He is a spectacular striker, he is very fast, he moves well without the ball.
“He had three chances. I think he will score in that position, as he has always scored. I don't think he has to play on the left or the right. He will score goals.”
Ancelotti also praised Endrick, who signed for Madrid this summer after turning 18.
“He looks good,” said Ancelotti. “He has great potential and, with the goal, he has shown all his qualities. He has good control and a good shot.”
“He's a small-box striker. In tight spaces he's very, very dangerous.”
Madrid's win over Valladolid followed a 1-1 draw against Real Mallorca on the opening day of the LaLiga season as they look to defend their title.
The team is currently without midfielders Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, both injured, while defender Ferland Mendy was suspended against Valladolid.
Madrid travel to Las Palmas on Thursday, before hosting Real Betis next weekend.
