‘We feel abandoned’: Kylian Mbappe’s Caen in crisis – fans demand answers as relegation beckons

On By Littum

Caenone of France’s most historically significant clubs, is mired in a crisis that threatens its existence in Ligue 2. Just months after the Real Madrid Superstar Kylian Mbappe Having acquired a majority stake in the club, the situation on and off the pitch has spiraled out of control. With fans staging protests, a turbulent managerial transition and the looming threat of relegation to France’s third tier, the dream of reviving Caen has turned into a harsh reality for Mbappe and the club’s supporters.

In August 2023, the France captain made headlines when he bought an 80% stake in SM Caen for €15 million. Although this move was unexpectedly driven by his desire to diversify his ventures beyond playing and investing in the future of football. Initial excitement surrounded the takeoverwith fans remembering Mbappe’s near move to Caen as a teenager and envisioning a revitalized future for the club.

“There is clearly a Kylian effect,” said Pierre-Antoine Capton, a minority shareholder, shortly after the takeover. “We want to make the club even more professional and help it move forward.”

However, optimism quickly gave way to disillusionment as the Vikings’ fortunes spiraled. After a strong pre-season narrative of ambition, the club’s Ligue 2 campaign began with a series of disappointing performances, leaving them battling relegation rather than chasing promotion.

Mbappe’s mismanagement and setback

One of the most contentious points of Mbappe’s tenure has been his handling of managerial changes. In December 2023, Caen parted ways Nicolas Seubea beloved figure who had served the club for over two decades. Seube’s dismissal was conveyed through a short, five-sentence statement that sparked outrage among fans and former players alike.

The appointment of Bruno Baltazar as Seube’s replacement provoked further discontent. Baltazar, with limited managerial experience and a questionable track record in Polish football, has failed to inspire confidence. Since his arrival, the team is yet to win a game and scored just one goal in four games.

Fan protests escalate

The frustration from Caen supporters has been palpable. At the match on 3 January against Clermont, fans unveiled a number of banners aimed directly at the Real Madrid star. “Here, hard work and loyalty are the only things that make legends,” Read one. Another said mutely: “Mbappe, SMC is not your toy.”

Anger reached a boiling point after a 1-0 loss to Guingamp this Friday, January 24. Ultras stormed the field in protest, demanding accountability from players and management. The club’s refusal to meet with fans before the match further strained relations.

“Anger and fear have overtaken us,” said a statement from Malherbe Normandy Kop, one of the club’s ultra bruppe. “After inadequate recruitment, unresponsive ownership and players who don’t seem to be fighting, we feel abandoned.”

As of January 2025, SM Caen sit second from bottom in Ligue 2, six points adrift of safety. With 15 games remaining, the team faces an uphill battle to avoid relegation to the third division. The prospect of dropping to such a low would not only be a blow to the club’s legacy, but also a damning indictment of Mbappe’s stewardship.

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