Carlo Ancelotti addressed two key topics in his recent statements: Kylian Mbappé’s response to the ongoing rape probe and Real Madrid’s plans for the January transfer window. Ancelotti confirmed that Mbappé appears unaffected by the investigation, despite media reports, and also revealed that, as of now, the club has no plans to make moves in the transfer market. These comments come as Madrid prepares for their upcoming matches, with the focus shifting to both player concerns and future strategies.
Ancelotti: Mbappé ‘Unaffected’ by Rape Probe Reports
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti stated on Friday that French striker Kylian Mbappé “seems unaffected” after Swedish media reported he is under investigation for an alleged rape during a trip to Stockholm.
Mbappe’s lawyer told AFP that this week, the French captain was “shocked” to see his name linked to the investigation and that he would take action for libel.
The forward was left out of France’s UEFA Nations League squad due to injury and traveled to the Swedish capital with a group last week.
“In this moment (the reports) are speculations, I see him working every day, he is happy, content, he doesn’t seem affected to me at all,” Ancelotti told a news conference. “He’s looking forward to keep on helping the team.”
Ancelotti stated that Mbappé, 25, had been granted time off by the Spanish and European champions.
“The days off were set for him, and beyond that, individuals can choose what they want to do,” explained Ancelotti. “I don’t care where players prefer to rest. I went to London for a couple of days and didn’t ask anybody. “I also don’t have a travel agency to organize trips for players.”
A Swedish prosecutor has confirmed the opening of an investigation, though Mbappé’s name has not been revealed.
Mbappé stated in a post on X on Monday that there was a connection between the report and a hearing before a French league committee on Tuesday regarding his ongoing dispute with his former club Paris Saint-Germain over what he claims is 55 million euros ($60 million) in unpaid wages.
“FAKE NEWS !!!!. It’s becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance,” he wrote.
Mbappé made a dream move to Madrid in the summer, following seven years at PSG.
The striker netted five goals in his first seven La Liga games before sustaining a thigh injury.
Mbappé made a faster-than-anticipated recovery, but France chose not to include him in their matches against Belgium and Israel, drawing criticism for the forward back home.
Madrid, three points behind leaders Barcelona, will play Celta Vigo on Saturday, with Mbappé expected to start for Los Blancos.
Ancelotti stated that the superstar forward appears to be a “different player” after completing some fitness work during the international break.
“Mbappe took advantage of this break to improve his condition, recover from injuries… he’s doing very well, happy and looking forward to playing tomorrow,” continued Ancelotti.
“This fortnight has helped him a lot — he’s a different player than he was from before the break.”
Ancelotti Reveals Real Madrid’s January Transfer Plans
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti offered a glimpse into the club’s plans for the upcoming winter transfer window on Friday.
This news will surely disappoint the Real Madrid fans.
This comes after confirmation that, at present, the Blancos management does not plan to make any moves in the transfer market for reinforcements.
The possibility of adding new players to Ancelotti’s squad has undoubtedly been a major topic in the Spanish media over the past few weeks.
This follows Dani Carvajal’s long-term injury, along with reports that David Alaba won’t be back on the pitch for a while.
As a result, Florentino Pérez and his team have been speculated to make mid-season signings, bringing in much-needed defensive reinforcements for the La Liga champions.
However, based on Carlo Ancelotti’s latest comments, this seems highly unlikely.
In his pre-Celta Vigo press conference on Friday, Real’s head coach was asked about the club’s plans for the January transfer window.
Ancelotti then went on to clarify:
“I have not asked for reinforcements. January market? Signing a player who will be good for Real Madrid is not easy. At the moment, we are not thinking about signings.”
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