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There would have been some shocked faces in West Yorkshire when news filtered through recently that Brenden Aaronson still had a future at Leeds United, after being on loan at Union Berlin for all of last campaign.

The American attacking midfielder will now be welcomed back with open arms by the powers that be at Elland Road, but with some hesitancy amongst the hardened Whites fanbase, considering the former Red Bull Salzburg man really struggled in the Premier League, scoring just once in 36 matches.

Still, there's always the possibility that Aaronson can be a figure like Georginio Rutter or Junior Firpo – who stood out for Daniel Farke's men last season after often being on the receiving end of some criticism in the top-flight – and turn his fortunes around back in England.

Yet, there is always the opposite that can happen too, and Aaronson could really put a nail in his Leeds coffin if he continues to underperform, with the Whites eyeing up another midfielder in his ilk.

Leeds looking at Serie B gem

According to a report from Italian outlet Il Resto Del Carlino earlier this week, Leeds are eyeing up Reggina attacking midfielder Natan Girma this imminent transfer window.

Fellow Championship outfit Watford are also noted to be an interested party, with an offer in the region of £3.5m expected to be enough to land the Serie B gem's services.

The capture of the 22-year-old could represent the same risk that has made the Aaronson deal look like a flop to date, with the attacking midfielder only tasting European football and not the cut and thrust of the EFL before moving, but it could still be a gamble worth exploring, especially when you examine his promising numbers for Reggina.

What Girma could offer Leeds

Whilst Girma was dazzling supporters of the Serie B club with sublime displays this season just gone, his American counterpart struggled in the Bundesliga, with just four goal contributions from 38 games managed for his loan side.

Only starting 14 of those contests too, the signing of Girma could signal the end for Aaronson, even if he is being talked up as having the potential to complete a redemption arc.

Away from the former £25m Whites buys lacklustre stint in the Bundesliga, Girma managed to pick up a higher nine goal contributions for his current Italian employers in all competitions last season, from nine fewer outings no less.

Moreover, when comparing the two on FBRef over the last year per 90 minutes, the Swiss – who has direct similarities to Norwich City star Jonathan Rowe according to the site – stands out even more over the 23-year-old in certain areas.

Girma could well offer Leeds much more than Aaronson if a move is clinched soon, when casting an eye at the table above, with the 22-year-old having the potential to also be a Wilfried Gnonto style signing, who is now a first-team regular, after signing from FC Zurich as a relative unknown entity in 2022.

With a whole host of rumours linking the likes of Crysencio Summerville away from West Yorkshire too, Farke will know the importance of adding in new stars in attack, which could begin with a successful pursuit of Girma soon.

It could well end up being seen as a wild punt, considering this campaign was the midfielder's first real moment in the spotlight for Reggina, but with a lack of confidence in Aaronson still lingering, another new attacking midfielder entering the building is a smart purchase to make.

Alongside Aaronson: Leeds must bring back star who's "too good" for the EFL

The Whites should bring the impressive central defender back to Elland Road next season.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 12, 2024

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca says he felt there was no need to bring on Cole Palmer in the Blues' 2-0 Carabao Cup loss to Newcastle on Wednesday.

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• Chelsea knocked out by Newcastle
• Palmer unused substitute
• Maresca says star was not needed

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Blues crashed out of the Carabao Cup at the last-16 stage, losing 2-0 to Newcastle despite beating them at Stamford Bridge a few days earlier. Maresca opted to include Palmer in the squad as a substitute and the 22-year-old did not even get the call to come on with his side trailing by two goals.

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  WHAT MARESCA SAID

  The former Leicester boss explained his decision to leave Palmer out, saying: "Simply because I think Joao [Felix] and Christo [Nkunku] were doing very good. The reason why [we brought him] was in case we needed Cole but Joao and Christo were doing well so there was no need to change."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Palmer's omission is probably deeper than what Maresca explained in his post-match press conference. The Blues are heavily reliant on the young England star and therefore must manage his minutes coming into a busy period. Palmer was also left out of Chelsea's squad for the Conference League and is seemingly being prioritised for Premier League action instead.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  A big match is on the horizon for Maresca's side on Sunday when Chelsea take on Manchester United at Old Trafford. There is no doubting Palmer will be involved in that game as the London team look to break into the Premier League's top four.

Leeds United have been dealt a blow with the latest update offered on key man Crysencio Summerville as the transfer window begins to ramp up ahead of the new season.

Summerville one of several likely to leave

After missing out on promotion from the Championship last season, Daniel Farke's side could look very different come the opening weekend of the new season. A 1-0 loss to Southampton condemned the Whites to another season in England's second tier, and has left the Elland Road side facing a bleak financial picture.

According to a report in The Daily Mail, the Yorkshire outfit will "have to raise close to £100million in player sales", while "up to 10 could go and would only be replaced by free transfers and loan signings" as they battle to remain the right side of financial fair play regulations amid outstanding transfer payments totalling close to £75m this summer.

There has been plenty of speculation around who will depart the club ahead of the new season, with reports linking the likes of Wilfried Gnonto, Archie Gray and Georginio Rutter all with moves away from Elland Road. One man who seems certain to leave though is Championship player of the year Summerville.

He could leave: Leeds facing Leif Davis repeat if "outstanding" ace exits

Leeds United will hope they don’t repeat their Leif Davis errors with this summer sale.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 18, 2024

Though the Dutchman still has two years left to run on his£15,000 a weekcontract at Elland Road, there is widespread expectation that he will leave the club amid interest from across the Premier League and Europe, in a move that could fetch his side a handsome fee.And a new name have entered the race.

Brighton chase Leeds star Summerville

Now, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed the latest on the future of the Dutchman, and has credited south-coast side Brighton with an interest in the winger. The Seagulls have made a habit of snapping up young talent on the cheap and turning a massive profit further down the line, and will be looking to do so again with Summerville.

As per Romano, they have "made contact to start talks" with Leeds to "explore" a move for the 22-year-old, though it will not be "easy" to complete a deal.

One stumbling block may well be the price demanded by Leeds, with Brighton having never having shelled out more than £30m for a player in their history, with Joao Pedro their record signing when he arrived from Watford 12 months ago in a similar move, a deal that cost a total of £29m.

Summerville's arrival would almost certainly have to break that, with recent reports having put his price tag between £35m and £40m, a sum that other interested parties are likely to have no problem paying if they are to sure up their interest.

Another issue may be Summerville's own ambitions, with the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea able to offer European football next season should they opt to move on their early interest for the Dutchman.

A potential sale below market value would of course be Leeds' worst possible outcome though, and that seems to be what Brighton are threatening ahead of the new season.

After confirming Erik ten Hag's new contract, Manchester United could now reportedly show the door to a player who has failed to perform under the Dutchman as soon as next week.

Man Utd transfer news

It's no surprise that things have sped up at Old Trafford following the arrival of new sporting director Dan Ashworth and with pre-season approaching ahead of next season. And with that could come fresh faces and the departure of disappointing stars.

The Red Devils have been linked with the likes of Joshua Zirkzee, who looks closer to a move every week, and could yet show the door to players of Casemiro's calibre as Ashworth gets ruthless.

Ten Hag told Manchester United's official website after putting pen to paper on a new deal: "I am very pleased to have reached agreement with the club to continue working together. Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined.

"However, we must also be clear that there is still lots of hard work ahead to reach the levels expected of Manchester United, which means challenging for English and European titles. In my discussions with the club, we have found complete unity in our vision for reaching those goals, and we are all strongly committed to making that journey together."

Man Utd must sell £90k-p/w flop who's worth £30.7m less than Ugarte

He has only played 62 times for the club since his arrival at Old Trafford.

By
Joe Nuttall

Jul 6, 2024

What's more, after sealing his future, the Dutchman could now reportedly see one of his biggest failures head for the exit door. According to GiveMeSport, Juventus could seal a deal to sign Jadon Sancho on loan as soon as next week as they look to replace Federico Chiesa, who is reportedly not in Thiago Motta's plans.

Sancho's exit just a week after Ten Hag's new deal would signify victory for the Dutchman following a public fallout between the winger once worth £73m and the Manchester United manager.

"Brilliant" Sancho needs move

Whilst Ten Hag is still in charge at Old Trafford, Sancho's future remains away from Manchester United, with Juventus seemingly his next destination. After showing glimpses of his best form at Borussia Dortmund, a move to the Serie A is one that must work out for the England international looking to get back on track following a nightmare couple of years.

Former Dortmund manager Edin Terzic was certainly impressed with the £195k-a-week Sancho during last season's loan spell, saying via The Metro: "I think the last six months, Jadon has been brilliant for us.

"It took some time to get back into shape but you can feel this quality and his skills, he’s going to improve our game straight away. He didn’t improve just his game but all the players around him. He is a player who has never thought about his first touch, it is so natural, and he is very gifted."

Despite that rediscovered brilliance, however, it doesn't seem as though Ten Hag has a place for Sancho in his Manchester United squad.

Plymouth hit a late winner to down Portsmouth in the Championship and ease the pressure on manager Wayne Rooney.

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• Plymouth beat bottom side Portsmouth
• Climb out of drop zone
• Win relieves pressure on Rooney

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Substitute Michael Obafemi's 82nd-minute goal ensured Plymouth took all three points against Portsmouth in a huge clash at the bottom of the table. Pompey thought they had scored in the first minute but saw Regan Poole's goal ruled out for offside. Plymouth then went on to clinch a crucial victory when Obafemi raced onto a long goal kick, outmuscled his defender and fired a low shot past goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid. The victory is the Pilgrims' first in five Championship games and also a first clean sheet in the league in 2024-25.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Plymouth's disappointing run of form had seen the pressure build on manager Rooney but he has seen his team move out of the relegation places and into 20th in the table with Tuesday's win. It's a different story entirely for Portsmouth who stay bottom and are five points from safety after 14 games played.

• WHAT ROONEY SAID

  He told : "It was a really important game tonight. it wasn't the best game from our point of view but I stressed to the players before it's important we come away with three points. A clean sheet obviously helps that. It's important we dig in and find a way to win and we did that tonight so I'm really pleased. For all of us, we are all together as staff, players and fans, I thought the fans were excellent tonight."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PLYMOUTH

  Rooney will come up against familiar opposition next time out in the Championship. Plymouth head to Derby County on Saturday as the manager takes on his former employers.

Expectations for Mexico might be lower in rematch with Honduras, but the implications are much higher

Just as it did in 2023, Mexico will end 2024 with a familiar challenge: a CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal series in Honduras.

Last year, Mexico needed a bit of a miracle to get past . After falling 2-0 in Tegucigalpa, then-manager Jaime Lozano and his squad needed a pair of goals in the second leg to force a penalty shootout. Despite 11 shots on target, it took until the very last one – 11 minutes into a (properly awarded) long stoppage time – for Mexico to force kicks from the spot to decide the Nations League semifinalist.

The hope is that it won’t take the same types of heroics this time around. Whether or not once again rides its luck into the next round, much has changed this year – even if it has come around to the same point.

Mexico’s performance in its series against Honduras—and how it plays throughout both legs—will shape the team’s confidence, both internally and externally, as Javier Aguirre and his squad enter 2025.

GOAL takes a look at what has changed and what remains the same for Mexico as it kicks off its Nations League tie Friday.

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  Change: The manager 

  While it’s a familiar face with Aguirre taking over the Mexico national team for the third time in his career, these are the types of matches when a steady hand is welcome. While Aguirre’s predecessor Jaime Lozano was able to get the best out of Mexico when it came to its 2023 Gold Cup-winning run, he struggled to get the best out of the team when preparation time was limited and travel was difficult like it is in the Nations Leagues ties.

  That would also carry over into the Copa American and it ultimately cost him his job after failing to advance in the tournament.

  Aguirre is unbeaten as Mexico's manager since his return in late July 2024, notching two wins and two draws. He is now preparing for his third "official" debut in matches that matter for . got a big boost last month, with Fulham forward Raul Jimenez not only returning to the national team but starring in a 2-0 win over the rival United States.

  That has lifted the mood around the national team significantly, especially since concerns were raised after it had drawn against a Valencia squad that largely played reserves in the first game of the October window. Aguirre needs to keep the good times going with convincing results against Honduras. He'll be boosted by the fact the players seem to enjoy working with the veteran boss so far.

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• Change: The expectations

  Another positive factor for Aguirre is expectations are arguably lower this time around.

  Most Mexico fans were fully aboard the “Lamborjimmy” heading into the game in Honduras last year. Why wouldn’t they have been? Lozano led Mexico to the Gold Cup title, then a win over Ghana and an impressive draw against Germany in a high-profile pair of friendly matches. Yet, the cracks from the 2022 World Cup re-emerged in the Honduras series. Then that would be followed by defeat in the CONCACAF Nations League final and their struggles in the Copa America.

  This time around, it feels like the Mexican federation, the fan base, and the demanding press understand the true state of the team. They are more realistic and understand that Mexico isn't a World Cup contender for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. There is more of an acceptance that the team can make changes now to build and dream about the future.

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  Same: The player pool

  Wingers Uriel Antuna and Hirving Lozano are the only players who started the second leg against Honduras last year who aren’t part of Aguirre’s squad for this match.

  It’s OK to have a core group of players, but it shows the lack of depth Mexico managers have to choose from when selecting their 23-man squad and their 11-man starting lineup.

  While Toluca’s domestic success made it look like Marcel Ruiz or Jesus Angulo would be options in attack, Aguirre instead has turned to veteran forward Ángel Sepúlveda. 

  It’s a nice story of resilience, and his late-game heroics for Cruz Azul hint that he could have something to provide for the national team. Yet, the 33-year-old actually is older than Jimenez. Between Jimenez, Sepúlveda, América’s Henry Martín, and Pumas’ Guillermo Martínez, Aguirre has called in a four-man central forward grouping with an average age over 31.5.

  Elsewhere on the field, Johan Vasquez and Cesar Montes, once considered the center-back pairing of the future have largely solidified as the pairing of the present. They are continuing to refine their partnership with star defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez in front of them. It's an area where Aguirre can count on. Just ahead of Alvarez in the midfield, Luis Chavez’s return should give the squad a far better option when it comes to a two-way midfielder.

  There’s no flashy superstar, though, and more concerning, there's no up-and-comer to potentially follow and see if he can make a difference against Honduras.

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  Raised: The stakes

  While the expectations for Mexico are lower, the stakes may be even higher for the team this time around. Miss out on the Nations League Final Four and rather than likely showdowns with the United States and Panama (though Jamaica and Costa Rica will have plenty to say about that), Mexico would be in a playoff to try to qualify for the Gold Cup.

  With limited international windows until Mexico begins the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City, the team needs to face as much top competition as it can. It needs to play matches that are as close to the ones it will play at the World Cup as possible.

  Failing to get out of the quarterfinal not only would be a huge disappointment for a team that has long prided itself as the giant in the region, but it also would heap unwanted pressure on it in March when Aguirre and his staff would much rather have the challenge and joy of playing for a trophy.

  What Mexico does in this window will be a good barometer for just how much this team has progressed – or not – in one calendar year. And it will determine what resolutions and goals the team can reasonably set for the new year. 

It’s been all change for Chelsea this summer, after a season in which they narrowly missed out on multiple trophies, but managed to qualify for a European competition once again.

However, it was not enough to keep Mauricio Pochettino in the job.

Following his sacking at the end of May, the Blues board turned their attention to finding a new manager to take them into the 2024/25 season, opting for Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca, who led the Foxes back to the top flight at the first attempt.

Maresca, who is a student of Pep Guardiola, will have a big task on his hands to improve Chelsea’s cup fortunes, with the club without a Premier League title since Antonio Conte led his side to glory in 2016/17.

If Maresca is to replicate such a feat, Chelsea will likely have to dip into the transfer market once more this summer, with the Blues already being linked with one player who’s had a monster tournament at Euro 2024.

Chelsea interested in £50m talent this summer

According to journalist Ryan Taylor, Chelsea have shown concrete interest in signing RB Leipzig’s attacking midfielder Dani Olmo this summer.

The Spaniard, who has registered three goals and two assists at this summer’s European Championships, has a €60m (£50m) release clause in his current contract with the Bundesliga side, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that it’s only active until July 20th.

The Blues aren’t the only side interested in the 26-year-old’s signature, with multiple Spanish sides also in contention for his services, as per Taylor’s report.

However, his impressive stint under Luis de la Fuente during the ongoing tournament is evidence that Olmo is capable of producing on some of the world’s greatest stages, making him perfect for the Premier League.

His talents are there for everyone to see, with his figures allowing one member of Maresca’s squad to reach the next level in 2024/25.

Why Olmo would allow Palmer to reach the next level

No Chelsea fan could have imagined the impact Cole Palmer would make in his first full campaign at Stamford Bridge after his £40m move from fellow Premier League side Manchester City last summer.

The subsequent transfer allowed the 22-year-old to produce some excellent stats which include 22 goals and 11 assists in his 34 league outings – nearly one goal contribution in every game, a staggering record.

However, Olmo’s potential arrival at Stamford Bridge could allow the England international to reach the next level under Maresca, with his Spaniard’s stats allowing him to create endless opportunities for his teammates.

In the Bundesliga during the 2023/24 campaign, Olmo contributed with nine goals or assists in his 21 appearances – an average of one goal involvement every 2.3 matches he featured in.

However, his chance creation is nothing short of superb, with his technical ability propelling him to create endless opportunities for players such as Palmer.

He averaged 4.3 progressive passes and 3.9 progressive carries per 90 last season, demonstrating his desire and ability to progress the play and cause carnage in the attacking third.

The “world-class” Olmo, as dubbed by journalist Victor Catalina, also averaged 1.9 successful take-ons per 90, further showcasing his ability with the ball at his feet, as seen at the European Championships in recent weeks.

With Chelsea wanting to close the gap to the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, Olmo has the ability to transform the club’s fortunes, providing the added threat Maresca is hunting for in the final third.

Given the fact his release clause expires in just nine days time, the Blues will have to act swiftly if they are to sign the Spain international.

Ranking the 10 best Spanish football players ever

As their Euro 2024 campaign gets underway, Football FanCast has ranked the top 10 football players to come out of Spain.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 15, 2024

West Ham United supporters felt a pang of concern after David Moyes departed the club at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. It was the right decision, but still, the Scot had led the club to their brightest period in modern history, and the road ahead looked fraught with the murky unknown.

Julen Lopetegui's subsequent appointment failed to allay such trepidation, with supporters viewing the deal as pragmatic, but he has since proved himself bold and committed to building a competitive squad, combining with technical director Tim Steidten in the transfer market to make some exciting signings.

A new centre-forward is yet to come, but one of the most important issues has been mitigated in central defence, with Max Kilman signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £40m.

West Ham transfer news

Lopetegui wants more in defence. According to Caught Offside, West Ham are leading the race to sign Ajax centre-half Josip Sutalo, who has also been scouted by Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham in the Premier League.

Valued at €30m (£25m) by the struggling Dutch giants, the Croatian is expected to be at the centre of official bids, albeit below Ajax's expectation.

West Ham are in the most commanding position after signing Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus from the Eredivisie side last year, and could now use past dealings to their advantage.

Why West Ham want Josip Sutalo

West Ham have considered selling central defensive mainstays Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma this summer, the latter of whom is the club's captain.

Sutalo, 24, completed 39 appearances for Ajax last term and played every minute of Croatia's disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, with the Luka Modric-captained nation failing to make it past the group phase, collecting two points.

It might have been a tough season for club and country as far as the 6 foot 3 titan is concerned, but there's no question that he has maintained a formidable level throughout, combining defensive steel with bouncing energy and crisp passing.

Progressive and proficient across a wide range of roles, Sutalo would be a brilliant addition to a new-look West Ham defence, partnering with the left-sided Kilman to create a dynamic sheen.

Kilman, aged 27, is not exactly the conventional defender either, prone to surging forwards and seeking out passages himself, with the clip below highlighting the kind of shuttling success he can find with the ball at his feet.

The Wolves defender, who plied his trade under Lopetegui during the 2022/23 season, averaged 4.7 recoveries and clearances per game in the Premier League last term and won 71% of his aerial battles, suggesting that the Irons could find a solid partnership capable of performing well whatever the conditions.

One year ago, talent scout Jacek Kulig described Sutalo as "one of the most underrated U-23 CBs in Europe", speaking highly of his potential.

He might have endured a testing 12 months but the Croatia star has proved himself sturdy despite the woes of the collective, and would be a credit to West Ham as they step into a new era.

West Ham submit bid to sign Duran alternative who's better than En-Nesyri

Tim Steidten has made the first move to sign this Euro 2024 sensation.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 9, 2024

Alisha Lehmann bagged her second goal of the season as Juventus maintained their unbeaten start to Serie A season with a 2-2 draw against Sassuolo.

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• Juventus held to a 2-2 draw by Sassuolo
• Lehmann scores her second goal of the season
• Juventus remain unbeaten in Serie A so far

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Juventus have had a good start to their Serie A season as the Bianconere have kicked off their campaign with eight wins and two draws. The second of those came on Sunday afternoon as Sassuolo held them to a 2-2 draw thanks to Gina Chmielinski's brace. Swiss forward Lehmann found the back of the net for Max Canzi's side to give Juventus the lead on the hour mark as she scored her second goal for her new side since leaving Aston Villa this summer.

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• WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The draw came as a disappointment to Canzi's side as they hoped to extend their lead onerFiorentina in the Serie A standings after La Viola's 0-0 draw against Napoli on Saturday evening. However, Juventus continue to remain four points clear of second-placed Fiorentina, and five points clear of Inter Milan and defending champions, Roma.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR LEHMANN?

  The former Aston Villa star has not had the minutes she would've hoped for when she joined Juventus in the summer, however, she will hope that her goal against Sassuolo may thrust her higher up the pecking order and potentially put her back in form for their next game against Arsenal in the Champions League on Thursday, November 21.

Carlo Ancelotti says that Kylian Mbappe faces the same problem as the rest of his Real Madrid team-mates amid the France forward's worrying form.

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• Mbappe struggling since Madrid move
• Missed a penalty against Liverpool
• Ancelotti reflects on his issues

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mbappe has faced criticism for his disappointing performances since joining Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain in a long-awaited free transfer in the summer. The 25-year-old was expected to lift a side that won La Liga and the Champions League last term, but some claim his presence has upset the team's rhythm and resulted in them struggling in both competitions this time around.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mbappe being used as a centre-forward instead of his preferred position on the left of the attack has been suggested as a reason behind his underwhelming displays, while France coach Didier Deschamps said the national team captain could be struggling mentally. The attacker's situation was well summed up when he missed a second-half penalty during his side's 2-0 loss to Liverpool in the Champions League, not long after he was seen standing on his own in the players' tunnel.

• WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

  However, Ancelotti insists Mbappe's struggles are no different from those of the rest of the team, as he told reporters: "The problem that Mbappe has is the problem that we all have. We are searching to find our best version. Me and my players. The problem is with the team not individual players, which has not managed to achieve continuity. We must do everything possible to improve, it is not an individual problem. Mbappe has scored nine goals, he has contributed to our play, given assists- He can play better, but we can all do it."

  He added: "He is aware that he must do better, but he and everyone. We must continue to support him, to be patient and think that it is a collective problem but not an individual one. The dynamics of the team in La Liga have improved a lot in the last two games, it’s true we could have looked better against Liverpool. We must take into account that we there are many players missing. Bit by bit, they are recovering. Rodrygo returns tomorrow and we must be patient."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

  The attacker will hope to be back among the goals on Sunday when his side take on Getafe in La Liga.