Coach of the French national team, Didier Deschamps has explained why he would not drop Kylian Mbappé for their semi-final clash with Spain on Tuesday.
Mbappé has had a disappointing outing at the Euro 2024, scoring just one goal – a spot kick against Poland – in four appearances.
The 25-year-old also suffered a nose fracture in France’s first game against Austria and has had to wear a mask since.
In their quarter-final clash against Portugal, he was also taken off in extra time.
There have been calls for the Real Madrid star to be benched for the clash.
France legend Frank Leboeuf advised the former Paris Saint-Germain star to watch the semi-final game from the bench.
According to Get French Football News, Former France International, Leboeuf, said “I think there is a real Kylian Mbappe problem. If you are injured and you can’t play at 100%, you can only play at 50%, then you shouldn’t play.
“For me, you’re not serving France well and you’re not serving yourself well, because you’re criticised, you can’t play to your best level.
“I can’t see the use in playing Mbappe at 50% – I think that Bradley Barcola would do better.”
However, Deschamps has decided not to heed the calls and has defended his talisman and captain.
He asserted that the medical team are working with him.
“Don’t you think he has already made enough history with what he has done so far?
“He wants to make even more history. We did everything we could with him, with the medical staff, to get him to be here. During the preparation, he had a little back problem, too, but Kylian is here.
“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.”
France and Spain will face off at Allianz Arena on Tuesday, July 9.
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