During his appearance on the show Rothen ignites on RMC Sport, former OM striker Christophe Dugarry defended Kylian Mbappé in the face of the difficulties he is encountering at Real Madrid.
Although the former French international who played for OM has often criticized the player, he qualified his judgment by emphasizing that the Madrid club had perhaps recruited Mbappé at the wrong time. “Real may have taken him at the wrong time. There was no need to recruit him at that time. But they did it, thinking his talent would be enough. They made a mistake in underestimating his faults and his qualities”explained Dugarry. He added that Mbappé must learn a new role and that players like Toni Kroos are missing to help him shine.
Read: OM: It’s confirmed for Balerdi and Rulli!
Dugarry criticizes Real's choice and Ancelotti's tactics
The former world champion also criticized Real Madrid's tactical balance, singling out Carlo Ancelotti as the main culprit for Mbappé's struggles. According to him, the team is not structured to highlight the French striker. “This team is poorly balanced. It's not made to serve your center forward. You have to get the ball as close to the surface as possible. He is not used in his best position. The person responsible is Ancelotti”insisted Dugarry, saying that it will take time for Mbappé to adapt to this role.
However, Jérôme Rothen, former teammate of Mbappé in the France team, reacted strongly and rejected this analysis. According to Rothen, Real Madrid's problems are linked to the presence of Mbappé, who disrupts the team. “Real won everything last season with a solid team. But this season, everything has changed. Mbappé crystallizes this unease. His presence thwarts certain players, others have seen their role change or no longer even play”he stressed. Rothen believes that Mbappé, although not the only one responsible, is not responding and is not providing what is expected of him.
Thus, the two consultants offer diametrically opposed points of view: Dugarry pleads for a more patient and tactical approach, while Rothen questions the player's attitude. If Mbappé's situation at Real Madrid remains complex, the debate over his place in the team does not seem ready to calm down.
France
Soccer
