“For the best of everybody, right now he shouldn’t play” - Frank Leboeuf on why Kylian Mbappe must be dropped for Euro 2024 semi-final vs Spain
France legend Frank Leboeuf believes national team head coach Didier Deschamps should drop captain Kylian Mbappe for their upcoming Euro 2024 semi-final. Les Bleus are set to face Spain in the last four of the competition on Tuesday, July 9.
Mbappe is one of the most important players in the French squad and has played a major role in their success in international tournaments since breaking into the team. The forward broke his nose during their group stage game against Austria, but has continued to participate in their matches while wearing a protective mask.
However, the Frenchman has struggled for form in the ongoing European Championships, scoring just one penalty in their journey to the semi-final. His struggles have led Frank Leboeuf to warn Didier Deschamps against starting him in their upcoming clash against La Roja. The French legend told ESPN (via Metro):
"He’s been struggling for a while. Because of his injury he has an excuse but before that he was struggling with Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. So, it’s not the Mbappe that we have seen. Because of his injury, I think he is not capable of playing at the top level. Whether he should play or not [is not my decision]."
Leboeuf continued:
"For the best of everybody, right now he shouldn’t play. It is a big statement. He’s not at 100 per cent, he’s maybe at 50, 60 per cent of his possibility because of the mask, because of his injury and everything..."
The former Chelsea centre-back went on to explain that he had no hard feelings toward Kylian Mbappe:
"I have nothing against Mbappe, 100 per cent he should play [if fit]. I’m the first fan and I have been criticised by people who say 'stop defending Mbappe.' I really love the player, he’s a fantastic player but you cannot play right now."
It is unlikely that head coach Didier Deschamps will leave his captain and most talented player on the bench when they face Spain.
"A mask like this is quite limiting" - Spain head coach on Kylian Mbappe ahead of Euro 2024 clash against France
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente spoke about Kylian Mbappe's form ahead of their Euro 2024 semi-final clash against France. The superstar's nose was broken when he clashed with Kevin Danso earlier in the tournament.
Speaking to Cadena Cope, De la Fuente said (via Football Espana):
“People have to know that a mask like this is quite limiting... It limits you, but in any case Mbappe at 80% is a lot of Mbappe, although it is true that his best version has not yet been seen and he has enormous potential.”
Spain will be hoping they can hold off Kylian Mbappe when both sides clash for a chance at the Euro 2024 final. The winner of their match will face either England or the Netherlands.