Ancelotti says Mbappe can reach Ronaldo level
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti thinks Kylian Mbappe can reach the same level as Cristiano Ronaldo, after the former's hat-trick in the 3-1 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League.
Those goals took his tally to 28 in all competitions in 38 appearances during his debut season at the club, while Ronaldo is their all-time leading goalscorer with 451 goals in 438 matches.
"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.
"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."
For Mbappe, the focus was primarily on what he can help the team achieve rather than on individual honours. The French international scored 256 goals in 308 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain, but is more bothered about winning trophies in Madrid.
"I was the Champions League's top scorer last year, but did I win it? No," he said. "I don't care about being the leading scorer, in my career, I have scored many goals. If with these goals we win titles, I will sign with my blood. If I can score 50, all the better, but all I want is to win titles."
While Real Madrid cruised through its play-off tie, beating Manchester City 6-3 on aggregate, Ancelotti was still frustrated it had to go through an extra round after finishing outside the top eight in the league stage.
Los Blancos will face either Bayer Leverkusen or Atletico Madrid in the round of 16, dependent on Saturday's draw.
"It's not positive at all having to go through the knock-out 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."
For Mbappe, the easier logistics of playing Atletico Madrid make it a more attractive tie.
"For me it is better to play against Atletico because we don't have to travel because we travel a lot. They would be two very difficult games but one without travelling."
