MADRID (Reuters) - Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was delighted with Kylian Mbappe's performance as the Frenchman scored twice in a 4-1 win over visitors Las Palmas on Sunday that lifted the defending champions to the top of the LaLiga standings.
The Italian coach said that he was never in doubt that the 26-year-old forward was going to find his form despite a slow start in the Spanish capital after arriving from Paris St Germain, playing in a more centralised role up front.
"(Mbappe is) the best centre forward in the world, there should be no doubts as to whether he could play in that position," Ancelotti told a press conference on Sunday.
"He is a great striker who is very good playing in the centre, rather than on the wing, because that way he can make the most of his unique runs, with speed and technique."
Following a tough week in which they were booed by their home fans after a 5-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup and an extra-time 5-2 win over Celta Vigo to advance to the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, Real started the game against Las Palmas with a scare, conceding 25 seconds after kick-off.
However, guided by an inspired Mbappe, they managed to fight back and took advantage of Atletico Madrid's 1-0 loss at Leganes on Saturday to retake the lead in the league standings, encouraging Ancelotti ahead of the final stretch of the season.
"In times of difficulty, it is necessary to be self-critical and positive in order to move forward," Ancelotti said.
"There is criticism and criticism. The booing at the Santiago Bernabeu hurt, because the fans are not happy, but it motivates. It was an useful wake-up call for the team, who have put in a good performance.
"Football is like that, but I'm still a bit confused because I've heard that we play very bad football but here we are, LaLiga leaders."
Real are top on 46 points, two ahead of their local rivals in second, with third-placed Barcelona trailing by seven points after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Getafe.
(Reporting by Fernando Kallas; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
