Emmanuel Petit criticized Kylian Mbappé, stating that the forward has become a problem for the French national team and that fans no longer sympathize with him. Following a poor Euro 2024 performance and communication issues, Mbappé is under immense pressure both in France and at his new club, Real Madrid.
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Emmanuel Petit, a former French international and highly regarded football analyst, has voiced strong concerns over Kylian Mbappé’s current status both with the French national team and at Real Madrid.
According to Petit, the issues surrounding the star forward have escalated to the point where he has become a liability, rather than an asset, for the national side. The controversy came to a head when Mbappé was omitted from Didier Deschamps' squad for the second consecutive time, a decision that has fueled widespread speculation and debate in the media.
Speaking to British radio station talkSport, Petit explained that Mbappé’s problems are not just limited to his performance on the pitch. “Yes, I think this is the next chapter of a long story that began about 16 months ago, involving both Paris Saint-Germain and the national team,” Petit remarked. “His performances during Euro 2024 were disappointing, far below the standard we’ve come to expect from him. But it’s not just his form; his communication has become a major issue. For years, he was exceptional at handling the media and interacting with fans. Now, it’s a different story. The French public’s sentiment has shifted dramatically; they no longer feel the same connection with him. In fact, many don’t like him anymore. That’s why he faces immense pressure, not only in France but also in Madrid.”
Petit’s comments highlight a significant change in the relationship between Mbappé and the French fans, who once adored the player as a symbol of the national team’s future. His rise to fame was meteoric, scoring crucial goals in the 2018 World Cup and playing a pivotal role in France’s triumph. However, according to Petit, the image of the young prodigy who captured the hearts of millions has been tarnished by off-field issues and questionable decisions in recent years. The ongoing saga surrounding his contract disputes with PSG and the recent move to Real Madrid has only added to the perception that Mbappé is more focused on personal goals than the collective success of his teams.
Petit, who played for top clubs like Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea, and was capped 63 times for France, offered an experienced perspective on the situation. He believes that while Mbappé has undeniable talent, his current mindset and actions are undermining his potential to lead the national team. “Mbappé’s attitude has changed, and it’s affecting his play. He used to be humble, eager to learn, and a team player. Now, it feels like he’s more concerned with his image and status as a superstar,” Petit noted. “This shift is problematic because the national team needs leaders who put the team first, and right now, I don’t see that in him.”
Petit also shifted the focus to Real Madrid, where Mbappé’s recent move was met with great anticipation but has yet to fully deliver on the hype. The former midfielder argued that the issues at Madrid are not solely due to Mbappé’s performances but are rooted in deeper structural problems, particularly in the midfield. “Everyone is focusing on Mbappé right now, as if he’s the reason Madrid is struggling. In my view, that’s not the case,” Petit said. “The real issue lies in the midfield. Players like [Luka] Modric and [Toni] Kroos have been outstanding for many years, but they’re no longer at their peak. Modric is showing signs of decline due to his age, and Kroos isn’t featuring regularly. For a club like Real Madrid, you need the best players in their prime positions.”
Petit elaborated on his tactical suggestions, offering a potential solution for Real Madrid’s current challenges. He suggested that manager Carlo Ancelotti should make adjustments to the midfield setup, utilizing younger and more dynamic players. “If I were Ancelotti, even just for a minute, I would rethink the midfield entirely. I’d place Jude Bellingham and [Federico] Valverde in front of the defense,” Petit advised. “Bellingham was fantastic in that role at Dortmund, where he excelled as a box-to-box midfielder. Valverde is another player with incredible energy and versatility. They could provide the stability that Madrid’s midfield is lacking right now.”
Petit went on to outline his ideal formation for Real Madrid, emphasizing the importance of playing to the strengths of the current squad. “I would position Vinícius Jr. on the left wing, where he can use his pace and creativity. I would keep Mbappé as the number nine, even though it’s not his natural position. He’s capable of adapting and can be effective as a central forward. On the right, I’d bring Rodrygo back into the starting lineup. This setup would give Madrid the attacking firepower they need while also solidifying the midfield.”
Petit’s analysis underscores the complex situation surrounding Mbappé, a player who has been hailed as one of the greatest talents of his generation but is now facing scrutiny over his attitude, decision-making, and adaptability. The pressure on Mbappé is immense, particularly in France, where the expectations for the national team are sky-high. His exclusion from recent call-ups suggests that Deschamps is reevaluating his options, potentially looking for players who can offer more cohesion and leadership.
The broader context of Petit’s comments also touches on the evolving dynamics within European football. As the competition intensifies and younger stars emerge, established players like Modric and Kroos face the inevitable decline that comes with age. Clubs like Real Madrid must navigate these transitions carefully, integrating new talents without losing the experience and quality that veterans provide.
For Mbappé, the path forward is uncertain. While his talent is undeniable, the questions about his commitment and focus continue to swirl. As Petit pointed out, football is not just about skill; it’s about mentality, teamwork, and the ability to adapt. Whether Mbappé can regain the trust of the French fans and prove his worth at Real Madrid remains to be seen, but for now, the pressure is on, and the spotlight is brighter than ever.
Updated: 12:10, 8 Nov 2024
