Frank Leboeuf doubles down on claims that Kylian Mbappe should be dropped by France and names his potential replacement
France legend Frank Leboeuf has doubled down on his opinion of dropping Kylian Mbappe for their UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final against Spain. The two sides will face off at Allianz Arena on Tuesday, July 9.
Mbappe has had a tough time at Euro 2024, having scored just one goal - a penalty against Poland - in four appearances. He suffered a nose fracture in Les Bleus' first game against Austria and has had to wear a mask since. He was also taken off in extra time in their quarter-final clash against Portugal, which they won on penalties.
Leboeuf had earlier said that France manager Didier Deschamps should start Kylian Mbappe off the bench in the semi-final. He doubled down on the claim in a recent interview and named Bradley Barcola as the Real Madrid man's replacement. He said (via Get French Football News):
"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."
Barcola, who plies his trade for Paris Saint-Germain, has made two appearances for France at Euro 2024. He started in their 1-1 draw against Poland and played 15 minutes against Portugal.
Didier Deschamps defends Kylian Mbappe ahead of France's Euro 2024 semi-final against Spain
France captain Kylian Mbappe has come under plenty of criticism after his disappointing performances at Euro 2024. Fans and pundits have even urged Didier Deschamps to drop the 25-year-old from the starting XI.
However, the Les Bleus manager has defended his talisman and captain. He pointed out that Mbappe has done well for the team in the past and is also a constant worry for the opposition. He asserted that the medical team are working with him, saying:
"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."
Kylian Mbappe has scored 48 goals and provided 34 assists in 83 appearances for France, helping them win the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He also won the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup and scored a hat-trick in the final but they lost against Argentina on penalties.