Criticism of Mbappe at Real Madrid is Exaggerated, Says Christophe Dugarry

Former French international Christophe Dugarry has come to the defence of Kylian Mbappe, insisting that the criticism directed at the superstar forward since his arrival at Real Madrid is overblown and fails to acknowledge the complexities of adapting to a new club.

Mbappe, who completed his long-awaited move to the Santiago Bernabeu last summer, has faced intense scrutiny despite delivering respectable goal-scoring figures in his debut season. The French captain has come under fire for perceived inconsistencies and a perceived lack of defensive contribution in certain high-profile matches.

Speaking on French television, Dugarry argued that expectations for Mbappe have been unrealistically high given the magnitude of the transition he is navigating. The former Bordeaux and Marseille striker suggested that critics are overlooking the tactical and cultural adjustments required when moving to one of the worlds most demanding football institutions.

The criticism is exaggerated. People forget that even the greatest players need time to settle. Real Madrid is not just any club, the pressure there is unlike anywhere else, Dugarry commented.

Mbappes statistics since joining Los Blancos tell a story of productivity despite the noise. The 26-year-old has found the net regularly across La Liga and European competitions, though his overall influence on matches has been questioned by certain pundits and sections of the Madrid press.

The scrutiny intensified following recent Champions League fixtures where Mbappe struggled to impose himself against well-organised defences. Critics have pointed to his positioning and decision-making in crucial moments as evidence that he has yet to fully integrate into Carlo Ancelottis tactical system.

However, Dugarry believes such assessments are premature and fail to account for the broader context of Real Madrids season. He noted that the team as a whole has experienced fluctuations in form, making it unfair to single out Mbappe for collective shortcomings.

Real Madrid supporters have largely remained supportive of their marquee signing, recognising that the Frenchmans best years are still ahead of him. The clubs hierarchy has also publicly backed Mbappe, expressing confidence that he will become a defining figure in their pursuit of domestic and European honours.

As the season enters its decisive phase, all eyes will be on Mbappe to silence his doubters with match-winning performances. With the pressure mounting, the coming weeks may prove pivotal in shaping the narrative around his first campaign in Spanish football.