Real Madrid CF v Real Valladolid CF – La Liga EA Sports / Angel Martinez/GettyImages

Real Madrid have not made the flying start that was expected of them this season, after adding Kylian Mbappe to their Champions League and La Liga-winning team. To bring the Frenchman into the starting XI, Carlo Ancelotti has had to tweak his system and it looks like the players are taking some to adjust to not only the new setup but their teammate as well.

Real Madrid have drawn two of their opening three league games this season. And a lot has been made about the combination of Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

Both are at their best when drifting in from the left flank. So, it was always going to be a challenge for Ancelotti to accommodate both in the same starting XI.

Mbappe has been playing more of a central role while Vinicius has been coming in from the left. It is not a rigid system though. As reported by AS, when asked if he would consider alternating their positions, Ancelotti said:

“They have been alternating but Vinicius has played more on the left and will continue to do so. ”

Real Madrid boss confirms Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr decision

So, it looks like Ancelotti is not thinking about making changes to his setup after just three games and that is the sensible approach. The players need some time to gel together and make things work.

The problem has been Barcelona’s early season form. They have won all three of their games, meaning that they already have a four-point lead over Real Madrid in the title race. It is still early days though and that can be overturned in a week, depending on how results go for both teams.

For now, there is nothing to panic about. There are always going to be some growing pains when a team is not only playing a new system but is also trying to integrate a superstar.