Kylian Mbappe ownership regime accused of bringing 'wrong energy' to Caen by Ligue 2 club's all-time top scorer as relegation looms

Kylian Mbappe has come under fire from Caen's top scorer for his role in the Ligue 2 club's slide towards relegation. The Real Madrid and France star bought the side in the summer but they suffered their 19th league defeat of the season to Paris FC on Monday night, and sit 12 points behind 17th-placed Clermont Foot.

Mbappepurchased a majority stake in Caen in July last year, parting with around £12.6m, according toBBC Sport. The forward nearly joined the club in his youth before signing for Monaco, but his involvement at boardroom level has previously been criticised by Caen's fans and now by their all-time top scorer Alexandre Mendy. Indeed, he has claimed the sweeping changes in the summer have led to their poor performances so far this season.

Speaking to beIN Sportsafter Monday's defeat to Paris FC, Mendy said: "It's a reflection of our season. I'm speaking for myself, but when you start a new season with the wrong energy - everyone knows what happened during this transfer window for several players - this is what it looks like today. We'll fight until the end, but we only reap what we sow."

Mendy, who has scored eight goals in 25 Ligue 2 matches this season, had reportedly agreed to join Championship side Sunderland during the 2024 summer transfer window, having been promised a move by Caen's previous owners. However, that deal was cancelled when Mbappe and the new ownership came in, with the club not wanting to lose arguably their most important player.

While Mbappe has upcoming clashes against Real Sociedad and Valencia to worry about before the first leg of Real Madrid's Champions League quarter-final tie with Arsenal, Caen know only a dramatic turn in fortunes will see them avoid dropping into the Championnat National, the third division in France's league system.