Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed confidence that his team can manage without the services of Kylian Mbapp in the upcoming Madrid derby against Atltico Madrid. Mbapp, who has been a key player for Real Madrid this season with five league goals, is set to miss the match due to a thigh injury sustained during the 3-2 LaLiga win over Alavs on Tuesday.
The injury is expected to keep Mbapp out for around three weeks, but Ancelotti remains optimistic about the team's ability to adapt. 'Obviously without Mbapp, it changes a bit, but not a lot,' Ancelotti said. 'We're used to playing without him. Last year he wasn't here. It's a shame that he's not here for this game, but I think we can deal with his absence well.'
Tactical Adjustments
Ancelotti has indicated that Mbapp's absence will not necessarily lead to a change in the team's formation. 'I don't focus much on the system,' he explained. 'A 4-3-3 can change. You can have a 4-4-2 with the same players. Adding an extra midfielder doesn't mean 4-4-2, or an extra forward 4-3-3. We can play with three forwards in a 4-4-2, with Vincius [Jnior] or Rodrygo on the right wing.'
Atltico Madrid's Perspective
Atltico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone highlighted the significance of another absentee for Real Madrid, midfielder Toni Kroos, who retired this summer. 'Our opponent has lost a really important player in midfield, Kroos, necessary in any team to give balance,' Simeone said. 'I think they're looking for that player who can give them calm, to make the most of all the offensive power they have.'
Simeone also speculated on Real Madrid's potential lineup, suggesting that Ancelotti might use Jude Bellingham as a number 10 or with Luka Modric behind Rodrygo and Vincius Jnior.
Defensive Improvements
Real Madrid enters the derby on a 39-game unbeaten run in LaLiga, with their last defeat coming in September 2023 against Atltico Madrid in the same fixture. Ancelotti emphasized the importance of avoiding the mistakes made in last year's game. 'Yes, 100%, we have to avoid the mistakes of last year,' he said. 'We've improved defensively. We've learnt from last year.'
Both Real Madrid and Atltico Madrid are unbeaten this season, with Real Madrid currently two points ahead of their rivals.
