Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti on Saturday dismissed reports that French striker Kylian Mbappe will join the La Liga giants at the end of his contract at Paris St Germain after this season, insisting he was more focused on his next opponents.
A source at PSG told Reuters on Friday that Mbappe would leave PSG in July although the terms of the deal have not been decided and it could be months before any official announcement.
“I understand that it is the topic of the day for you, but for us it is tomorrow’s match (against Rayo Vallecano),” Ancelotti told a press conference on Saturday.
“We have to do well. That’s what I think.”
Mbappé, 25, was heavily linked with a move to Real in 2022, but later announced a contract extension with PSG.
Peppered with questions about whether he would like to have the French striker in his team and whether there was talk of him in the Real dressing room, Ancelotti ducked and dove in his usual laid-back manner.
“We talked about the match. We know it’s a crucial match for this season,” he said.
“People can talk, I understand that. I would like to finish this season, win titles. I have plenty of time to think about next season.”
Real, top of La Liga with 61 points, dealt a major blow to Girona’s title hopes last Saturday with a 4-0 defeat.
Girona, second with 56 points, will have another tough challenge away on Monday at in-form Athletic Bilbao, who have not lost a point at home since October.
Ancelotti’s Real, who just beat RB Leipzig 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie on Tuesday, will look to take another step towards regaining the title when they play lowly Rayo Sunday.
And their manager appears to accept that Mbappé’s shadow will loom over Real’s daily routine and his own regular media contacts until the player’s future is clear.
“Do you see me affected (by the questions about Mbappé) now? No, no… I know the press conferences will be like that from now on,” he said with a smile.
