Euro 2020 English

Mbappe ‘affected’ by Giroud criticism but prefers to move on

Kylian Mbappe candidly admitted he was “affected” by public comments he had perceived as criticism from fellow France striker Olivier Giroud following their friendly against Bulgaria, but insisted he would not pursue the matter further as he did not want the issue to become a distraction for the France team at Euro 2020.

Uncomfortable tensions between the two players had threatened to invade the camp after Chelsea striker Giroud complained about not having been passed the ball often enough despite his many runs during Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Bulgaria, in which he scored twice.

“I was a bit affected by that but we’re not going to make a big story about it,” Mbappe told reporters Sunday at the national training centre at Clairefontaine.

“We’re here to represent France and the national team represents the most important thing. We have a big competition and these trivial things aren’t going to disrupt our preparation.”

The leading scorer in Ligue 1 last season with 27 goals, Mbappe revealed he had the intention to address the matter earlier in the week but France coach Didier Deschamps had felt it was inappropriate for him to do so then and dissuaded him from doing so.

“I wanted to come Thursday (to the press conference) to explain myself. After speaking with the coach, it wasn’t the best moment,” said the 22-year-old.

“He decided the best time was today, so I did as I was told and came today.”

The iconic Paris Saint-Germain star explained it wasn’t what Giroud said that bothered him rather than the public nature of his remarks.

“I saw him in the dressing room, I went to congratulate him on his goals. He didn’t say anything to me and then I learned about it in the media.

“I would have preferred that he come and even be much more scathing about it. In the dressing room if I have something to say to someone I will tell them and it stays there, I don’t have a problem.”

Mbappe decided instead on hindsight to draw a line under the feud ahead of France’s tournament opener against Germany in Munich on Tuesday.

“I don’t want that to disturb the team. We will already have very difficult tests, we don’t need to make things even harder.”

Giroud, 34, is France’s second highest scorer of all time, with his haul of 46 goals second only to Thierry Henry’s 51.

The reigning world champions are certainly not short of attacking options, especially now with the return of Karim Benzema to the squad following a five-and-a-half year exile, not to mention the likes of Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann also in the squad.

Les Bleus take on Hungary in Budapest in their second match in Group F and then face defending champions Portugal at the Puskas Arena on June 19 in a repeat of the 2016 final.