Ancelotti Stands by Mbappe, Vinicius, and Bellingham as Real Madrid’s Penalty Takers
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed full confidence in his designated penalty takers, even after Kylian Mbappe missed his second penalty within a week. The French forward’s missed spot-kick came in Real Madrid’s 2-1 loss to Athletic Club at San Mamés, which left the team disappointed in La Liga. Despite this setback, Ancelotti has made it clear that no changes will be made to his penalty-taker selection.
Mbappe’s miss against Athletic Club followed a similar failure during Real Madrid’s Champions League defeat to Liverpool just days earlier. His inability to convert the penalty in the 2-1 loss to Liverpool had already raised questions, but Ancelotti’s stance remained unchanged. Speaking to the media after the La Liga defeat, the Italian manager defended the team’s current penalty-takers and affirmed that the roles would not be altered.
“Our penalty shooters are Mbappé, Vini, and Jude,” Ancelotti said confidently. He added, “Whoever shoots is good.” The manager’s comment underscores his trust in Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham to handle penalty duties moving forward. Ancelotti’s belief in the trio remains unwavering, despite recent misses.
Vinicius Junior, who has also stepped up as a penalty-taker, has consistently performed this season, adding another layer of stability to Real Madrid’s penalty-taking options. Bellingham, though less experienced in taking penalties, has proven his worth with his exceptional form since joining the team. All three players are viewed as capable candidates to take on such high-pressure moments in matches.
Ancelotti’s decision to stick with this group of players demonstrates his commitment to maintaining consistency within the team, even in the face of challenges. He has always been a manager who trusts his players. In this case, he continues to believe in the abilities of Mbappe, Vinicius, and Bellingham to deliver when called upon.
The manager’s public backing also sends a strong message to the team. It shows that mistakes will not be punished with a change in responsibility. This could help maintain a sense of confidence and stability among the players, knowing that their roles are secure even after a miss.
The focus now will be on how Real Madrid bounces back from these disappointing results and whether the team can recover their form, particularly in tight matches where penalties may play a crucial role. Ancelotti’s confidence in his penalty-takers will be crucial in keeping morale high as the season progresses.
In the end, Ancelotti’s approach reflects his long-term strategy of maintaining trust in his squad, no matter the challenges. Real Madrid fans will be hoping that this confidence translates into improved performances, with the penalty-takers stepping up when the team needs them most.
