Thierry Henry says managers, not Mbappe, hold key to team balance

Thierry Henry has defended Kylian Mbappe amid continuing criticism of the France captain’s influence on the teams he represents, saying the challenge lies in how he is used rather than with the French forward himself.

Mbappe has scored 40 goals this season, but some observers continue to question whether his individual impact can affect the balance of his sides. Henry rejected that argument during an appearance on the RMC programme Rothen s’enflamme, insisting that teams can succeed with Mbappe in their line-up.

The former France international said the responsibility for finding the right tactical solution belongs to the manager. He also pointed to Zinedine Zidane, who is expected to oversee a new phase involving Mbappe, as having the same task previously faced by Didier Deschamps and by the coaches who worked with the forward at Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco.

“You can play well with Mbappe, but it depends on the manager finding the best situation for the team,” Henry said.

“That will be Zidane’s task, just as it was Didier Deschamps’ task, and the task of all the managers who worked with him at Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco.”

Henry added: “You have to find the right balance, and that is difficult whether Mbappe is there or not. Mbappe is not really the problem.”

His comments were reported by French outlet Foot Mercato as debate continues over the extent to which Mbappe’s role shapes the collective performance of his teams.

Henry also referred to other examples from football, explaining that the absence of influential players can create different tactical challenges. In his view, those situations underline the importance of the manager in constructing a balanced side.

The former Arsenal and France forward’s defence of Mbappe comes as the Frenchman faces renewed discussion about his individual influence on team performances. The issue is expected to remain a central talking point as Mbappe moves towards a new chapter under Zidane.