Kylian Mbappe has been urged to step up his game following a poor display against Liverpool in the recent Champions League game at Anfield.
The French superstar failed to convert a penalty for Real Madrid on Wednesday, contributing to the Reds' 2-0 victory. Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo netted for Arne Slot's players, marking their fifth consecutive win in the tournament.
Despite Mohamed Salah also missing a penalty later in the game, Caoimhin Kelleher managed to thwart Mbappe less than 10 minutes after Liverpool had taken the lead. Since his move from Paris Saint-Germain to the Spanish giants this summer, Mbappe has been involved in 11 goals in 18 matches across all competitions.
However, his missed penalty at Anfield was a hot topic in Carlo Ancelotti's press conference on Saturday. "Mbappe's problem is the problem we all have," Ancelotti said. "The idea is to try to bring out our best version, from him, from myself, from other players. The problem is a team that for the moment has been able to have continuity in the season and bring out its best version.
"It's not a problem of one player, it's a problem of each one of us. We don't consider it an individual problem of a player who among other things is new here, is adapting, has eight goals, has participated in the attacking play with assists. We can all do better.
"He hasn't dropped off, he's aware that he has to do better. Many of my players have missed penalties and we have to keep supporting and helping them. We have to think that it's a collective problem and not an individual one.
"You can criticise me, but the dynamic of the team is good and we have to understand that we are missing a lot of players, tomorrow Rodrygo will be back. The idea of having patience is the right idea."
On a personal note, Ancelotti drew an analogy with Mbappe: "I'm like Mbappe. I'm trying everything to bring out my best. The results say that I haven't been able to bring out my best. I'm not happy, but I'm worried just enough. I'm convinced that we're going to fix it. For the rest, on a personal level, I'm very happy."