Carlo Ancelotti drops further hints about Vinicius Junior-Kylian Mbappe positions at Real Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid have so few issues at the moment, that perhaps the biggest debate around the side is how Vinicius junior and Kylian Mbappe will fit together, with both preferring to operate off the left side. Manager Carlo Ancelotti dropped more hints about how things might work after their final preseason friendly.

Los Blancos finished their US tour with a 2-1 win over Chelsea, following defeats to AC Milan and Manchester City, courtesy of goals from Lucas Vazquez and Brahim Diaz. Ancelotti told Diario AS he was primarily concerned with the conditioning though.

“The results don’t worry me at all. The good thing is that the players who are here have shown very good physical condition, they are ready to prepare well for the Super Cup. Let’s see how the absent ones come back. They have worked at home and I hope they arrive in good condition. And if not, then everyone stays on the bench, there is no problem (laughs).”

He was also asked about Vinicius‘ best position ahead of the coming season. Against Chelsea, he started up front with Rodrygo Goes and Brahim.

“Today we started with Brahim in the middle, Rodrygo on the right and Vini on the left, on the outside. Many times, Brahim went to the right, Vinicius inside, Rodrygo to the left… Mobility is very important, with the quality of the men we have, they should not have a fixed position the entire game. The important thing is that when we don’t have the ball, whoever plays on the right has to work on the right. And whomever is in the middle helps the midfielders. With the ball, mobility is essential. If you fix your position with the ball, it is much easier for the opponent.”

Meanwhile Jude Bellingham was used in various positions last season, but Ancelotti continues to maintain that the Englishman will play close to goal.

“He will continue playing up front, when we have the ball; When not, he will have to defend. Like everyone. I hope everyone does.”

That implies that that Rodrygo and Brahim will likely spend much more time on the bench, or Los Blancos will be very attacking. With regard to Mbappe and Vinicius, Rodrygo showed last season during their clash with Manchester City, that having two players playing in similar areas can work, albeit that saw Vinicius move more inside. It looks as if that might be the answer to the many questions Ancelotti has received.