Former France international Emmanuel Petit has made some intriguing claims regarding Kylian Mbappé's transfer to Real Madrid, suggesting that there was reluctance from both manager Carlo Ancelotti and several players within the squad to bring the superstar on board during the summer transfer window.
Mbappé's move to Madrid came after an exceptionally drawn-out transfer saga, one that captured the attention of fans and pundits alike. Since joining from Paris Saint-Germain, the 25-year-old forward has had a mixed start to his career at the club, netting eight goals in 16 appearances. However, reports indicate that he has struggled to find his best form and prefers playing on the left wing—a position already occupied by Vinícius Jr. This situation has led to speculation about whether Ancelotti will prioritize Mbappé's preferences over those of established players like Vinícius Jr.
In the broader context, Petit argues that Ancelotti and his players were not entirely on board with the decision to sign the World Cup winner. Given that the team had just celebrated victories in both La Liga and the Champions League, Petit believes that Ancelotti was satisfied with his squad and preferred to make only minor adjustments rather than shake things up with a high-profile acquisition. Petit suggests that Mbappé's arrival may have introduced tension into a dressing room that was enjoying a period of success and harmony.
The former Chelsea star articulated his concerns during an interview with Casino Hawks, stating, "I’m sure that Carlo Ancelotti and several Real Madrid players didn’t want the club to sign Kylian Mbappé in the summer. This was a dressing room who had just won La Liga and the Champions League, and his arrival has only brought trouble. Ancelotti was on top of the world after winning the Champions League, and I think he would’ve liked two or three players to fit into his squad, but no big changes."
Petit went on to highlight the complexities of integrating a player of Mbappé's stature into a successful team. He noted that bringing in a player with significant ego and talent can disrupt the balance that has been established, especially when other teammates—like Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Jr.—also aspire to be the primary star and aim for individual accolades such as the Ballon d'Or. This scenario could potentially lead to competition and conflict within the squad, which might hinder the team's overall performance.
Despite these challenges, Petit believes it is still too soon to determine whether Mbappé would have been better off choosing a move to Liverpool instead of Real Madrid. He emphasized that the talented forward must demonstrate resilience and mental fortitude to overcome the current challenges he faces. "He needs to show that he can be as strong as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of mentality to find his consistency," Petit commented. "He needs to show that he has real character and personality on the pitch."
Looking ahead, Real Madrid is set to face Leganés in La Liga this weekend. Currently positioned second in the Spanish league, they trail league leaders Barcelona by six points. The upcoming match presents an opportunity for Mbappé to prove his worth and begin to fulfill the immense potential that has been associated with him since his emergence in the football world. As the team navigates this season, it will be fascinating to see how Mbappé adapts and whether he can find a way to coexist with his teammates while also carving out his own role in the squad.
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