During a recent press conference, legendary footballer Thierry Henry addressed the criticism surrounding Kylian Mbappé’s performance since joining Real Madrid.
Henry urged fans and analysts to be patient, emphasizing that Mbappé is human and needs time to adapt to the new challenges he faces at his new club.
Henry pointed out that Mbappé’s weaknesses were less noticeable during his time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), largely due to the team’s structure and his role on the field.
At PSG, Mbappé frequently played as a winger, a position that maximized his strengths, including his exceptional speed and ability to exploit defensive gaps from wide areas.
However, at Real Madrid, under the management of Carlo Ancelotti, Mbappé has been assigned a central striker role, which demands a different set of skills and responsibilities.
This positional shift has exposed areas where the French forward needs to improve, leading to increased scrutiny from critics.
Henry also highlighted the impact of Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid’s midfielder, on the team’s offensive dynamics. He noted that Bellingham often takes on responsibilities typically associated with a central striker, such as making forward runs and creating spaces in the opponent’s defense.
This has shifted some of the tactical demands away from Mbappé, giving him room to adjust to his new role. However, Henry emphasized that for Mbappé to fully thrive, he must embrace the nuances of the number nine position and contribute more dynamically to the team’s attacking play.
This includes developing skills that go beyond what was required of him at PSG.
Despite these challenges, Henry expressed confidence in Mbappé’s ability to overcome this transitional phase. He acknowledged the immense pressure that comes with playing for a club as prestigious as Real Madrid, where expectations are sky-high.
Henry reassured fans that with time and persistence, Mbappé will likely adapt to his new role and regain his exceptional form.
