Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has stated Kylian Mbappe can reach the level as club legend Cristiano Ronaldo – praising the Frenchman’s exploits after he netted a hat-trick in the 3-1 win against Manchester City.
Ronaldo is Los Blancos’ all-time leading goalscorer with 451 goals in 438 games – and Ancelotti believes Mbappe can also be a force in the Spanish capital.
“He has the quality to reach his numbers, but he has to work, because Cristiano set the bar very high, but he is so excited to play here, he can reach Cristiano’s level,” Ancelotti said in a press conference.
“Everyone was waiting for this hat-trick from him and it has finally arrived. But Mbappe is not the only one, we have many players who make a difference. And they make a difference with their collective work above their individual quality which is remarkable.”
Ancelotti also was not happy that his side had to go through the pain of the knockout round but admitted that they were to blame after a slow start to the campaign which saw them finish outside the top eight in the league standings.
The reigning champions will face Bayer Leverkusen or city rivals Atletico Madrid, depending on Friday’s draw, as they chase a record-extending 16th title.
“It’s not positive at all having to go through the knockout [playoff] because we had to play 10 games to get to the last 16,” Ancelotti said.
“We’re not coming out of a difficult period, we’re entering one because this is when the real season starts. There is no way to stop, to rest. But on an emotional level, sure, this tie has been good for us. Let’s keep rolling.”
