Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti thinks Kylian Mbappe can reach the same level as Cristiano Ronaldo, after the hat trick of the former in their 3-1 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Those goals brought his count to 28 in all matches in 38 performances during his debut season in the club, while Ronaldo is their leading goal scorer with 451 goals in 438 games.
“He has the quality to reach his numbers, but he has to work because Cristiano sets the bar very high, but he is so excited to play here, he can reach the level of Cristiano,” Ancelotti told a press conference.
“Everyone waited for this hat trick of him and it 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 that is remarkable.”
But for Mbappe, the focus was primarily on what he can help achieve the team instead of individual awards. The French International scored 256 goals in 308 performances for Paris Saint-Germain, but is more concerned about winning trophies in Madrid.
“I was the top scorer of the Champions League last year, but did I win it? No,” Mbappe told reporters.
“I don't give it to be the leading scorer, in my career I scored many goals. If we win titles with these goals, I will sign with my blood. If I can score 50, the better, but everything I I Want is to win titles. “
500 – In just 26 years and 61 days old, Kylian Mbappé is now directly involved in 500 goals in all matches between club and country (358 goals + 142 assists). Wonderkind. #Rmamci pic.twitter.com/ttoi68wioa
– Optajan (@Optajan) February 19, 2025
While Real Madrid drove through their play-off tie and Manchester City beat 6-3, Ancelotti was frustrated who had to go through an extra round after he finished outside the top eight in the competition stage.
In the round of 16 they will be confronted with Bayer Leverkusen or Atletico Madrid, depending on Friday's draw.
“It is not at all positive to go through the knockout, because we had to play 10 games to reach the last 16,” said Ancelotti.
“We don't come from a difficult period, we go one because this is when the real season starts. There is no way to stop, rest. But on an emotional level, certainly, this draw is good for us. We keep rolling “
For Mbappe, the easier logistics of playing Atletico Madrid makes it a more attractive draw.
“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.”
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