France manager Didier Deschamps has defended his captain and star player, Kylian Mbappé, following criticism of the striker’s Euro 2024 performances.
Mbappé, 25, has only scored once in the tournament — a penalty in the final group game against Poland — but France has advanced to the semifinals despite not scoring a goal from open play.
Read Also:Van Nistelrooy, Hake Arrive Man United Ahead Of Pre-Season Friendlies
Deschamps replaced Real Madrid’s latest signing in extra time of their quarterfinal victory over Portugal on penalties, after Mbappé requested to be taken off.
Deschamps, speaking on the French television show Téléfoot on Sunday, reminded those who criticize Mbappé of his accomplishments in the sport so far.
“Don’t you think he has already made enough history, with what he has done so far?” asked the trainer. “He wants to create even more history.
“We did everything we could, along with the medical personnel, to get him here. He had a minor back problem while preparing, but Kylian is here.”
Deschamps also responded to rumors that if Mbappé is not fully healthy, he could be benched in order to jumpstart the team’s stalled assault.
The attacker has been forced to play the most of the tournament wearing a mask after breaking his nose in a clash with Kevin Danso in his team’s first group encounter against Austria.
“Even if he’s not 100%, I know very well that for the opponent, knowing he’s playing makes them think and forces them to adapt,” according to Deschamps.
Mbappé, who scored a hat trick in his team’s 2022 World Cup final defeat and the fourth goal in their victory in the 2018 World Cup final, is also supported by teammates Randal Kolo Muani and Youssouf Fofana who spoke at the team’s news conference on Sunday.
COMMENTS