In a candid interview with Radio MARCA, Ancelotti explained how the many changed that occurred in the summer of 2024, including the long-awaited signing of Mbappe and the retirement of Toni Kroos, resulted in a transition period.
"The football changes with few things and with that changes the chemistry," Ancelotti said. "It is not only at an environmental level, it is not only changing Kroos for Mbappe. That same year Nacho leaves, [Dani] Carvajal gets injured and [Luka] Modric plays less. The old generation that had created a fantastic atmosphere in the dressing room is no longer there and a new generation of footballers has to enter who have to put in character, personality and example. That is not done with a click, it needs time."
Despite Real Madrid’s difficulties in maintaining their usual dominance during that period, Ancelotti was quick to defend Mbappe's individual output. The Frenchman remained a prolific force in front of goal even as the team's structural balance faltered following the loss of midfield metronome Kroos.
"Mbappe did fantastically, scoring 50 goals more or less, and the team had difficulties to conquer titles because football is small details and when you change something, it can't always go well," Ancelotti noted. He suggested that the transition between eras is a slow process, stating: "This new generation of Madrid needs time to build its legacy."