Arsene Wenger has strongly defended Kylian Mbappe, asserting that the French superstar has been unfairly targeted as a 'scapegoat' during his second season at Real Madrid. Despite an impressive tally of 42 goals across all competitions, Mbappe has endured significant criticism.
Wenger suggests that Mbappe's arrival coincided with a Real Madrid squad that was, in his view, 'average' and lacked the depth seen in previous successful campaigns. He believes that the pressure of the team's struggles has unfairly fallen on Mbappe's shoulders, leading to him becoming the designated individual to blame.
"Football is such that you always need a scapegoat. He’s become that," Wenger stated, highlighting the common tendency in the sport to identify a single player when a team underperforms.
Looking ahead to international duty, Wenger predicts a dominant World Cup performance from Mbappe. He anticipates that Mbappe's relatively less demanding club season, in terms of physical exertion, will leave him feeling fresh and ready to perform at his absolute peak for France.
Furthermore, Wenger has backed France as the leading favorites to clinch their third World Cup crown in 2026. He points to the immense talent pool within the French squad, the remarkable depth of options available to the coach, and the seasoned tactical expertise of Didier Deschamps.
Wenger specifically emphasized France's 'power' and the evolving role of modern attacking players, particularly their contributions to defensive efforts. He believes that this combination of factors makes France an unparalleled force in international football.
The former Arsenal manager's comments underscore his belief in Mbappe's individual brilliance and his conviction that the player's struggles at club level are more a reflection of the team's circumstances than his own capabilities.
With Mbappe expected to carry a significant burden for both club and country, Wenger's defense serves as a powerful endorsement, suggesting that the French talisman is poised to shine on the global stage, potentially leading his nation to further glory.
