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Kylian Mbappe, a French football sensation, has failed to match the performance standards anticipated of him when he signed for Real Madrid, but he has been trying hard to reclaim his former self, coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Wednesday.
Mbappe missed a penalty in Real Madrid's Champions League loss to Liverpool last week and failed to convert another on Wednesday as the La Liga champions lost 2-1 to Athletic Bilbao.
Mbappe, 25, and Real Madrid's lackluster performance resulted in their fourth loss in the previous seven games in all competitions, raising additional doubts about their form with the France captain under intense scrutiny.
"He is at a lot more than just 1% (of his potential), but he's not at his best," Ancelotti said at a news conference.
"However, we must allow him time to adjust (to Real Madrid). He has scored ten goals and is constantly striving to grow and excel.
"I haven't spoken with him yet. It was a sophisticated, even, and fiercely contested game. We missed a penalty... I don't judge a player's performance based on a missed penalty... sometimes you score, sometimes you miss. Obviously, he is unhappy and disappointed, but we have to keep going."
Real wasted the opportunity to cut the gap on leaders Barcelona, who lead the standings with 37 points, four clear of Ancelotti's side in second and five ahead of Atletico Madrid in third, despite both pursuing teams having a game in hand.
"The match was evenly matched." Athletic is a very dangerous squad; we competed and fought. "I believe the match was worth a draw," remarked Ancelotti.
"But that's what it is... We're still in contention and must keep battling. We should have done better, but we're here and need to focus on Saturday's game in Girona."
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