Carlo Ancelotti denies tactical issue with Kylian Mbappe after Real Valladolid struggles

Carlo Ancelotti insisted Kylian Mbappe will open his La Liga account soon after drawing another blank in Sunday's 3-0 win over Real Valladolid.

Mbappe scored on his competitive debut in the UEFA Super Cup win over Atalanta but has failed to find the back of the net in his two La Liga appearances to date, sparking questions over his fit in the team alongside Vinicius Junior.

Ancelotti, however, insisted Mbappe will remain Madrid's central striker and backed the France international to rediscover his scoring touch soon.

Asked whether Mbappe's position is an issue, Ancelotti stressed: "No, I don't think so at all. He is a spectacular forward, he's very fast, he moves well without the ball.

"He had three chances. I think in that position he'll score, as he's always scored. I don't think he has to play on the left or the right. He'll score goals."

Federico Valverde's second-half strike had Madrid 1-0 up when Mbappe was substituted in the 86th minute, but there was still time for two more goals from Brahim Diaz and the player who replaced Mbappe, 18-year-old Endrick.

Ancelotti hailed the impact of Brahim and Endrick in response to suggestions the pair could soon replace the underperforming Mbappe and Vinicius Junior in the starting lineup.

"They are ready, they take advantage of the minutes I give them," Ancelotti explained. "It is always complicated, like Lucas Vazquez, who is not in the lineups but does not stop training.

"It makes me a little sad, but it is my responsibility, I have to choose those who start. Especially at the start of the season, with the heat, the players get tired. I have to choose the freshest players on the pitch. The players have to have more responsibilities on the pitch, I have already spoken to them about it."

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