Real Madrid fans are buzzing 🐝 with excitement over the potential debut of Kylian Mbappe in the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta this Wednesday. But coach Carlo Ancelotti isn't spilling the beans! 🤐
The 25-year-old French superstar landed in Madrid last week after signing a five-year deal with the club in June, finally putting an end to the transfer saga that had everyone on the edge of their seats. 🎢
At a press conference on Tuesday, Ancelotti played it cool when asked about Mbappe's role in the upcoming match. \"Mbappe has arrived well, just like the other players who joined last week,\" he said. \"We haven't had much time to train, but we are doing very well, and Kylian has also arrived in good shape. He is adapting very well. Obviously everyone who is here can play tomorrow.\"
Could this mean Mbappe will make his epic debut? 🧐 Fans can only hope! Ancelotti hinted that anyone could play, but remained tight-lipped about the starting lineup.
When asked about penalty-taking duties, Ancelotti said: \"Mbappe is a penalty taker. He does it very well. But Bellingham has done well in the European Championship and Valverde was spectacular in the Copa America. So we have a lot of penalty takers. I have to pick one of them for tomorrow's game. Obviously, I have to pick one that will start the game.\"
It sounds like the competition is fierce, and Ancelotti is keeping his cards close to his chest. 🃏
Real Madrid have clinched five Super Cups so far, tying with Barcelona and AC Milan. A win on Wednesday would make them the competition's standalone leaders. 🏆
Plus, if they kick off their season with a victory, they could make history, as seven titles will be up for grabs for the very first time, thanks to FIFA's new Intercontinental Cup. Is this the start of another legendary season for Los Blancos? ⚪️
\"As always, we're starting the season with all the excitement and desire,\" Ancelotti added. \"It's the first title of a season that is going to be very demanding, but can also be very successful. We want to start it well. We are aware of the difficulties, but I see the team in good shape, motivated to play a great game.\"
On the other side, Atalanta's coach Gian Piero Gasperini believes his team can pull off another surprise. \"On paper, we're even more of an underdog than we were against Leverkusen,\" Gasperini said. \"Real Madrid will be an even greater hurdle, but that means we're even more motivated. It doesn't happen often, but you can overturn the odds in football.\" 💪
However, Atalanta will face an extra challenge after traveling to Warsaw without injured striker Gianluca Scamacca, who could be out of action for at least six months due to an ACL injury. ⚕️ The club will also be without Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, who is reportedly nearing a move to rivals Juventus. 🧐
Will Mbappe make his sensational debut? Can Atalanta pull off an upset? Football fans, get your popcorn ready! 🍿 Wednesday night's match is set to be a thriller!
Reference(s):
Real Madrid's Ancelotti tight-lipped on Mbappe's UEFA Super Cup role
cgtn.com
