As a major storm shakes Real Madrid, Cyril Hanouna, a famous French TV host and close associate of the PSG president, has spoken out about Kylian Mbappé. Speaking on Europe 1, the French media personality had a few home truths for Florentino Pérez, the president of Los Blancos.
The storm is raging in Madrid. Following the heavy 3–0 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night, the Madrid universe is reeling. This disaster, which took place at the Emirates Stadium, exposed the weaknesses of a team many considered invincible. While Carlo Ancelotti, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappé, Courtois and David Alaba are at the centre of criticism, one man seems to have escaped scrutiny for now: Florentino Pérez.
However, it’s hard to overlook the role of the emblematic president of the Casa Blanca in the current make-up of this Madrid squad. The numerous injuries, while significant, are not enough to explain such a disorganised display from Carlo Ancelotti’s side. The long-awaited arrival of Kylian Mbappé, which was meant to usher in a new golden era at Real Madrid, appears instead to have sparked a crisis.
Obvious imbalances
In Spain and beyond, analysts have pointed out a glaring imbalance in the team. With the departure of Toni Kroos, regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, a huge void has been left in Madrid’s midfield. And yet, this crucial area has not been adequately reinforced. The arrival of Mbappé, while thrilling on paper, has only heightened tensions — especially with Vinicius Junior, who now seems a shadow of his former self.
Let’s not forget, these are two stars with overlapping roles on the pitch, and their coexistence looks far from harmonious. Today, while some still firmly believe in a comeback against Arsenal at the Bernabéu next Wednesday, the looming threat of elimination is clear. More than ever, judgement day is approaching, and major changes may be needed — both within the squad and among the coaching staff, who appear totally lost when faced with key decisions.
Cyril Hanouna, the firebrand wades in
Following Madrid’s collapse at the Emirates, Cyril Hanouna — an iconic presenter and a close friend of Nasser Al-Khelaïfi — jumped at the chance to speak his mind. Invited to speak on Europe 1, Hanouna didn’t hold back in his criticism of Florentino Pérez. With his usual directness, he analysed the situation and suggested sweeping changes.
“It’s the arrival of Kylian Mbappé that has thrown the entire Real Madrid team off balance,” he said bluntly. “Mbappé and Vinicius — it’s clear it’s not working. You can’t do things halfway. If you bring in Mbappé when you’re missing a midfielder, it turns into a disaster. The departure of Kroos was never addressed.”
Hanouna didn’t stop there, also raising the issue of Mbappé’s age — significantly older than Vinicius Junior, who had been the team’s leader. “He turns 27 in December. How much longer will he be at the top? Three, four seasons at most before the younger talents emerge. If you bring in Mbappé, you’re betting everything on him. But for that to work, you need to move Vinicius on. You can’t keep both — it just doesn’t work.”
Words that will resonate?
While Cyril Hanouna’s biting remarks are unlikely to reach Florentino Pérez directly, they raise fundamental questions about the direction Real Madrid is heading. In a footballing era where patience is increasingly scarce, the decisions made in the coming months could redefine the future of this legendary institution.
As Real Madrid fans sway between hope and disappointment, one thing is certain: the recent chapter of the Casa Blanca’s history may be approaching a decisive turning point. Will Florentino Pérez heed the calls for change? Only time will tell.
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