Euro 2024: France coach Didier Deschamps defends his player Kylian Mbappe amid criticism.
From the beginning of the tournament to the end of the quarter-finals, Real Madrid’s new player only scored one goal in the tournament – from a penalty in the match against Poland, a “poor” achievement compared to the expectations that fans had for him.
France coach Didier Deschamps has defended star Kylian Mbappe amid criticism of the striker’s performance at Euro 2024.
Speaking on French TV show Téléfoot tonight, Deschamps reminded Mbappe’s critics of what he has achieved in the sport.
“Don’t you think he has made enough history, with what he has done so far?” Deschamps said. “He always wants to make more history. Someone who keeps criticizing him, they don’t know anything.”
Deschamps always wholeheartedly supports Mbappe. Photo: ESPN.
“We did everything we could with him, with the medical team, to get him here. During the preparation, he also had a little problem with his back, but Kylian is here and trying.”
Deschamps also responded to suggestions that if Mbappe is not fully fit, especially after the injury he picked up in the group stage, he may have to sit on the bench to try and get himself back to his best possible condition.
“Even if he is not 100%, I understand very well that the opponent will have to think and be forced to adapt when they know he is playing,” said Deschamps.
Kylian Mbappe has not played well since the opening day of Euro 2024. Photo: RFI.
In addition, Mbappe also received absolute support from his teammates, Randal Kolo Muani or Youssouf Fofana, who spoke after France won the right to enter the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
“Kylian is a player who has scored three goals in a World Cup final,” said Fofana. “I don’t know many players who have achieved this, I only know one.”
“Whether it’s him or a player like Antoine [Griezmann] who is vice-captain, they have done things that most players in the dressing room haven’t done. When they speak, we listen.”
“He [Mbappe] has the gift of leading a group. He has a lot of experience — I think he’s 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 to lead a group forward,” added Kolo Muani .
France will play Spain in the semi-finals next Wednesday (July 10, Vietnam time) in Munich.
