Henry Defends Mbappé, Says He's Not a Robot

Thierry Henry, the iconic French footballer, has spoken out in defense of Kylian Mbappé, criticizing the excessive and unrealistic expectations placed on the young PSG star. In an interview with RMC Sport, Henry expressed his frustration over the constant scrutiny Mbappé faces, especially following his transition to playing as a center-forward at Paris Saint-Germain after his move from Monaco.

Despite Mbappé’s undeniable skill and success on the field, including his stellar performances with France and at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the pressure on him has intensified. Henry believes this criticism is unfair, as he knows firsthand that transitioning to a new role, especially as a number 9, is not an easy task. The position requires specific skills, and Henry argues that while Mbappé has shown glimpses of brilliance, it’s important to recognize that he’s still learning and adapting.

Henry emphasized that it’s unreasonable to expect Mbappé to immediately perform at his best in a role that demands so much technical and tactical awareness. “To be a top number 9 at a club like PSG or Real Madrid, you need time to adapt,” Henry stated. He also mentioned that, like any player, Mbappé’s potential can only be fully realized with continued experience, as his ability to hold up the ball and create opportunities from a central position requires patience and time.

The criticism Mbappé receives stems not only from his performances on the pitch but also from the sky-high expectations placed on him as one of the world’s brightest football talents. Henry pointed out that if any other player were to experience similar growing pains in a new role, fans and pundits alike would give them the time they need to adjust. “If it were anyone else, we would say they’ll eventually find their rhythm, but we’re too quick to judge Mbappé because of what we expect from him,” Henry said.

Despite the unfair criticism, Henry remains confident in Mbappé’s ability to succeed. He believes that Mbappé is on track to become one of the greatest players of his generation, but he stressed that this process takes time. Rather than focusing on the negative, Henry urged fans and analysts to support Mbappé and allow him the space to grow. “Mbappé is a fantastic player, but he is not a robot. He’s human, and like everyone else, he deserves the time to learn and improve,” Henry concluded.