Euro 2024: France boss Deschamps condemns criticism on Mbappe

Didier Deschamps has defended Kylian Mbappé in response to mounting criticism over the star striker’s performance at Euro 2024.

Mbappé, 25, has found the net only once in the tournament, a penalty in the final group stage match against Poland.

Similarly, France have advanced to the semi-finals without a single goal from open play.

In France’s quarter-final match against Portugal, which was decided by penalties, Deschamps substituted Mbappé in extra time at the player’s own request.

Appearing on the French television show Téléfoot, Deschamps recapped Mbappé’s significant contributions to the sport.

“He has already made history with his achievements so far and is driven to make even more,” Deschamps stated. “We did everything to have him here, working closely with the medical staff.

“He had a minor back issue during preparation, but Kylian is here.”

Deschamps also addressed the idea of benching Mbappé to reignite France’s offensive efforts, despite the forward playing with a protective mask due to a nose fracture sustained in the opening group match against Austria.

“Even if he isn’t at 100%, his presence alone forces opponents to rethink their strategy,” Deschamps explained.

Mbappé, who scored a hat trick in the 2022 World Cup final and the decisive goal in the 2018 final, received strong backing from teammates Randal Kolo Muani and Youssouf Fofana during a press conference.