Monaco legend backs Mbappé: 'He'll make history at Real Madrid'
Former Monaco defender Sébastien Squillaci believes Madrid fans are being too harsh on Mbappé and predicts the Frenchman will define an era at the Bernabéu.
Former Monaco and Sevilla defender Sébastien Squillaci has backed Kylian Mbappé to silence his critics and cement a legendary status at Real Madrid, despite the club’s current struggles.
”Madrid fans are too demanding”
Speaking ahead of Monaco’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid at the Bernabéu, Squillaci didn’t mince his words when addressing the criticism Mbappé has faced in recent weeks.
“Madrid fans are very demanding,” the former France international told MARCA. “What Kylian is already doing at Madrid is incredible, but he’s going to make history at the club.”
Squillaci acknowledged that Madrid’s current form has made life difficult for their star summer signing, adding: “It’s true that right now the team isn’t performing well, and Kylian alone can’t win matches, but Madrid is a war machine and they’ll bounce back.”
Pogba absence a blow for Monaco
The former defender, who spent two seasons at Sevilla before moving to Arsenal, also weighed in on Paul Pogba’s situation at Monaco, describing his absence for Tuesday’s match as a significant setback:
- Calls Pogba “a Formula 1 car” in terms of quality
- Believes the midfielder needs consistent playing time
- States Monaco desperately needs Pogba’s influence
Memories of the 2004 Galácticos upset
Squillaci was part of the Monaco side that famously eliminated Real Madrid’s Galácticos in the 2004 Champions League quarter-finals, winning 3-1 at home after losing the first leg 4-2.
He recalled the electric atmosphere at Stade Louis II and how manager Didier Deschamps convinced them at half-time they could complete the comeback. Squillaci suggested Madrid may have underestimated Monaco, a mistake he doesn’t expect them to repeat on Tuesday despite their current struggles.
“The media pressure that week was incredible. For us, it was somewhat new,” Squillaci reflected. “Perhaps Madrid thought at some point it would be easy for them. But we prepared very well with Deschamps.”
Despite his fond memories, Squillaci believes his former club faces an uphill battle to repeat history at the Bernabéu this week, even against a Madrid side that hasn’t hit top gear.