He annoys everyone around him – Emmanuel Petit criticises Mbappé

Former Monaco and Arsenal midfielder, Emmanuel Petit has openly criticised Kylian Mbappé’s complaints about his positioning at PSG, believing that the France international striker is out of touch and needs to ‘grow up’.

The 23-year-old forward has been used throughout the middle as a central forward at the start of the 2022/2023 season since Galtier’s arrival, with Neymar playing from the left and Messi from the right.

Following France victory over Austria at the UEFA Nations League last month, Mbappe created a flutter among Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) fans when he commented that he had more ‘freedom’ with the national team than with the Ligue 1 champions.

“I play differently,” he said after France 2-0 win against Austria as per L’Equipe.

“I am asked other things here in relation to my club. I have a lot more freedom here. The coach knows that there is a number 9 like Olivier who occupies the defences and I can walk around and go into space.

“In Paris, it’s different, there isn’t that. I am asked to be the pivot, it is different.” He concluded.

Emmanuel Petit, World Cup winner with France in 1998, speaking with RMC, said ; “He annoys everyone today. He makes it personal all the time. He even puts himself above the institution. Has everything that has happened in recent months gone to his head?

“His emoluments which make him the best paid player in the world? At PSG, they certainly made promises to him by telling him that the project would be built around him…Kylian, you started in completely different positions at AS Monaco.”

PSG coach, Christopher Galtier speaking yesterday ahead of PSG’s Champions League game against Benfica, said the French capital club tried to recruit a natural center forward to allow Mbappe play his preferred role but it didn’t happen.

“I don’t know what was said to Mbappé before I arrived at PSG, but during pre-season we talked with Campos to find a real striker to allow him play in his preferred zone but it didn’t happen. We didn’t buy one.” Galtier said.

Petit added that Mbappe started as a right forward when he newly joined PSG from Monaco before been moved to the left.

“You were on the right side when you arrived at PSG, then you were on the left. Now you are in the centre. But it’s never fixed on the pitch. The players up front spend their time moving around and switching in their respective areas. The club is more important than any one player.” Petit concluded.