Former Real Madrid and Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman did not hold back in his analysis of Kylian Mbappe’s performance following Real Madrid’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League at Anfield.
According to McManaman, Mbappe, who missed a crucial penalty in the second half, failed to step up in the absence of injured teammate Vinicius Junior.
McManaman spoke candidly about Mbappe’s struggles, stating that the French forward had “flattered to deceive” on the night.
He emphasized the importance of Mbappe delivering in critical moments, especially when the team is missing key players.
“They needed Mbappe tonight. Without Vinicius, without some of the other stars, he flattered to deceive tonight. That was his moment,” McManaman said.
He also questioned Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s decision not to utilize Brazilian starlet Endrick more frequently, particularly given Mbappe’s recent struggles in front of goal.
McManaman pointed out that the frustration Mbappe displayed was evident and that the team might have benefitted from having a more traditional center-forward like Joselu on the field.
“Mbappe’s getting very frustrated actually because Endrick wants to play more. They’ve got enough center-forwards but Ancelotti doesn’t want to use them at this moment,” he added.
The former midfielder further critiqued Ancelotti’s deployment of Mbappe, suggesting that the Frenchman is not suited to the central striking role.
“Kylian is not a number nine – he might have it on his back but he is not a goalscorer supreme in those positions, is he? He likes to play out wide. They might as well have kept Joselu,” McManaman remarked.
As Real Madrid prepares to face Getafe in La Liga, both the team and Mbappe will be eager to turn their fortunes around.
