Mbappé Dismisses Criticism Over Off-the-Ball Work

Kylian Mbappé has pushed back on criticism of his work off the ball, telling L'Equipe he does not take it personally.

"I don't think it's normal, but that's life for someone who has performed at the highest level for years. I'm not new to this anymore. Everyone already knows what I'm capable of. It's just human nature. People naturally focus on what a person doesn't do. When someone has been doing something for ten years, people stop looking at the actions themselves — everyone knows he's capable of it. So people always try to find what he isn't doing. But I don't take it personally," Mbappé said.

The forward has faced recurring criticism in Spain and France over his defensive contribution and pressing work for Real Madrid. He said he views the reaction as part of the price of sustained success rather than a fair reading of his game.

"I have a healthy relationship with criticism, because there is criticism that is constructive and other criticism that is more stupid, but that doesn't scare me when I have to make a decision. I don't tell myself I'm going to be criticised when I make a decision. If I know the decision is right, or isn't right but is necessary, I take it. I've shown in the past that I go forward," he said.

Mbappé also questioned the debate over whether his goals actually help Madrid win titles. "It doesn't make sense. If I don't score, they're going to ask me why I'm not scoring. As a footballer, I've learned that there are millions of coaches in every match you play, and not all of those coaches are happy. Everyone has their own opinion, but I believe the aim of football is to score goals and score more than the opponent," he said.

The remarks follow a difficult week for Madrid, who lost 0-1 at Betis after Álvaro Vallés saved a Mbappé penalty, a result that ended their unbeaten start to the season. Madrid open their Champions League campaign against Inter, and face Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, 12 September.