Kylian Mbappe was muted by a fervent tirade from France teammate Mike Maignan, as the repercussions of Friday’s 3-1 loss to Italy became contentious.
Significant discord seems to have affected Les Blues’ locker room as they strive to recuperate after a lacklustre Euro 2024 campaign. Coach Didier Deschamps narrowly led his team to the semi-finals in Germany.
France did not score a goal from open play during the group stage, concluding in second place, before narrowly defeating Belgium in the round of 16. They performed poorly against Portugal in the quarter-finals, although secured a match against Spain by triumphing in the penalty shootout.
The final tournament victors justifiably eliminated Deschamps and his team; yet, the World Cup-winning manager subsequently garnered the support of the French FA to retain his position after 12 years. France started their participation in the Nations League with an exceedingly poor start.
Ironically, Bradley Barcola provided France with an early advantage after just 13 seconds, while Italy thereafter asserted dominance in Paris. Federico Dimarco’s remarkable equaliser was succeeded by goals from Davide Frattesi and Giacomo Raspadori, as the Azzurri – the most prominent nation to experience an early departure at Euro 2024 – secured all three points in an away match.
Mbappe captained his side, as he has since March 2023, although the newly acquired Real Madrid superstar and vice-captain Antoine Griezmann were not the individuals delivering the stern remarks following the match. L’Equipe reports that custodian Maignan berated his teammates in a two-minute tirade.
Maignan criticised France’s demeanour in the match and conceded that Italy merited victory due to their greater hunger and determination. The AC Milan custodian asserted that, theoretically, just two Italians would qualify for France’s starting eleven.
No one ventured to comment when Maignan, 29, concluded, as Mbappe and Griezmann remained mute. Deschamps was reportedly harsh in the dressing room and purportedly condemned France’s ‘lack of effort’, subsequently questioning the fitness of his players in an interview.“We commenced strongly, scoring a goal and exerting significant pressure on Italy,” Deschamps stated to RAI Sport. “Maintaining a high press and intensity is challenging, thus I observed a physical decline even prior to half-time.” Our errors facilitated Italy’s equalisation.
By employing a high press, we created openings that Italy exploited with their advancing attackers. In the absence of a solid block, our task became exceedingly challenging. Italy defends well, and we possess exceptional attacking players; nonetheless, one must use caution in allowing open areas, as they might exploit them effectively.
Maignan, upon addressing the media, downplayed his locker room address, asserting, “What is communicated in the locker room remains confidential,” and further stated, “There is no cause for concern.”
Ibrahima Konate effectively corroborated Maignan’s stern remarks to the French channel Telefoot, stating: “To summarise the discussion, we possess individuals who are exceptional.”
“However, we must prioritise the service of the collective over these individuals.” Given our team’s composition, we must instill fear in our opponents, and today’s 3-1 home defeat is disheartening. It is disheartening. Now that everything is concluded, we must exhibit a response.The anticipated response will occur at home in Belgium on Monday, with the match taking place in Lyon. Another indicator of discord inside the France dressing room was Griezmann’s recent critique of Deschamps’ methods.
The Atletico Madrid attacker, often a constant presence for Les Blues, was relegated to the bench during their last group match against Poland and the semi-final against Spain. When he participated, Griezmann was assigned to several places and unable to establish his rhythm.
The 33-year-old acknowledged to Marca, “We encountered numerous positional and tactical adjustments that we had to manage.” I had prepared with Atletico to attain optimal physical condition. Had I scored the two goals against Holland, my Euros would have been altered.
Did changing my position cause me any discomfort? I was disappointed not to play against Poland and Spain, albeit not during my time on the pitch. The judgements were tactical, and they warrant respect, regardless of any discomfort they may cause. All aspects centre on the team. However, it has not been my most successful competition.
Once again under Deschamps’ tenure, a match versus Belgium appears to be critically significant.
