Carlo Ancelotti believes Kylian Mbappe's self-criticism has fueled his return to top form at Real Madrid after a challenging spell in the Spanish capital.
Mbappe opened the scoring in Madrid's 4-2 win over Sevilla on Sunday before setting up Brahim Diaz, who scored Los Blancos' fourth goal of the match.
The Frenchman has now been involved in 49 goals in 2024 while playing for Paris Saint-Germain (23 goals, eight assists) and Madrid (14 goals, four assists) in all competitions, with only Harry Kane (50) involved in more.
Mbappe has now scored six goals in his last eight games in all competitions, taking his total for the season to 13, while also providing three assists in 23 appearances.
The 26-year-old's upturn in form has coincided with Madrid's improvement in the league, with their latest win putting them a point behind leaders Atletico Madrid.
Ancelotti said a lack of attitude and collective effort held back his star-studded squad, but he is confident his side can turn their campaign around next year.
“After the defeat against Milan, we put things in order in the dressing room by talking very clearly,” Ancelotti said.
“Self-criticism has made it clear to us what we were missing, namely a lack of attitude, of collective commitment, of running a little more.
'We started doing things the way we should have done them again.
“Mbappe has been self-critical and that's why he got out of a situation that could have been complicated.”
Ancelotti said ahead of Sunday's match that Mbappe's adjustment to life in Madrid was complete, and his performance against Sevilla certainly backed that up.
During the encounter, the Frenchman had more shots (five) and more touches in the penalty area (nine) than any of his teammates, while also producing a team-high expected goals ratio (xG) of 0.55.
“His adjustment period is over and today he showed that sometimes I am right,” Ancelotti said.
“In 2024 I will give the team an A+. Last season was fantastic.
“We started (this season) with more difficulty, but we were able to resolve the situation in time and there is hope for 2025, but it is difficult to repeat that. We will try.”
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