Carlo Ancelotti has finally revealed where new signing Kylian Mbappe will play in Real Madrid’s star-studded attack.
Mbappe officially signed for Real on July 1 after his PSG contract expired. The striker was unveiled after the end of EURO 2024 and attracted 80,000 people.
The Frenchman was handed the No. 9 shirt, previously worn by Karim Benzema and not used for the 2023/24 season. Mbappe’s preferred number is No. 10, but he wants veteran midfielder Luka Modric to keep it.
The 24-year-old did not make his Real debut in Wednesday’s 3-0 friendly win over Albacete as he was rested following France’s run to the semi-finals of EURO 2024.
But Real fans won’t have to wait long to see him in action. Speaking ahead of Mbappe’s highly-anticipated debut, Real boss Ancelotti said: “I will play Mbappe as a striker. That’s how Real’s attack will operate next season.”
“Vinicius will still play as a left winger but he will always be flexible. The key for attacking players is flexibility. Sometimes they can play on the left, sometimes in the middle.”
“Bellingham also plays sometimes on the left, sometimes in the middle and sometimes on the right. Rodrygo starts most of the games on the right but also moves to the left. So you don’t have to fix a player’s position on the pitch.”
“I want to give them freedom. They have to be able to manage the game. We played a game against Man City with Vinicius and Rodrygo on the left, because we thought we could use them. So we’re not too worried about where Mbappe will play.”
