MY ACCOUNT
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted the ongoing Kylian Mbappe transfer saga is not on his mind as he focuses on the Champions League final against Liverpool.
Mbappe’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain is due to expire at the end of the season as reports persist that the World Cup winner will move to the Spanish capital.
The France international has stated he will announce his decision before joining up with Les Bleus for international duty in June, with PSG still hopeful of keeping their talisman at the Parc des Princes.
Mbappe’s 57 goal contributions in all competitions this season can only be bettered by Madrid forward and international team-mate Karim Benzema (59) among players in the top five European leagues.
Ancelotti could have the pair to call upon in his attack alongside Vinicius Junior next term, but the Italian insists he is concentrating on the European showpiece with Liverpool on May 28 in Paris.
“I spend my time in Valdebebas [Madrid’s training ground], in the car at home or in a restaurant,” Ancelotti said ahead of Friday’s LaLiga game against Real Betis.
“Nobody asks me about Mbappe because everyone is thinking about the Champions League final.
“I don’t consider the Mbappe issue; the only thing I have in mind is the Champions League final, and that leaves me very calm.”
Ancelotti will continue to rotate his side against Betis on Friday with the LaLiga title already secured as Madrid eye their 14th European crown.
Meanwhile, Liverpool remain in the hunt for an unprecedented quadruple, having lifted the FA Cup last Saturday against Chelsea and then beaten Southampton on Tuesday to sit one point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City with a game to go.
However, Ancelotti does not believe the contrasting schedules will make a difference when the two teams meet at the Stade de France in UEFA’s premier club competition.
“Liverpool in this period have had more difficulties than us, because they have important games,” he added.
“They have won the FA Cup. We have had the opportunity to think more about this game, but it will not affect the team. We will think about the game from Monday.”
Ancelotti also called on Madrid to enjoy the occasion of the final.
“We must not forget the happiness of playing this game,” he continued. “It is normal to have anxiety and worry about facing a strong team. I am happy to have time to prepare it.
“We are where many want to be – it is the most important game of the world football. Now we are enjoying it. After the match, there may be more happiness or a bit of sadness.”
