“He is a completely normal striker like any other” - Austria goalkeeper delivers verdict after Kylian Mbappe misses sitter in Euro 2024 clash
Austria goalkeeper Patrick Pentz has delivered an honest assessment of France superstar Kylian Mbappe after the two sides met in Euro 2024 on Monday (June 17). Mbappe has not scored at the European Championships in his career but looked set to break the duck in France's Euro 2024 opener.
Mbappe was through on goal with only Pentz to beat. However, the France captain embarrassingly fluffed his lines. Speaking about the new Real Madrid superstar, Pentz told the media after the game (via Express):
"He's a completely normal striker like any other, he's just faster."
France earned a 1-0 win in the game, courtesy of a 38th-minute own goal from Maximilian Wober. Kylian Mbappe, however, suffered a broken nose during the latter stage of the match and was forced to leave the pitch after being bloodied up.
The French forward won't undergo surgery despite the blow and is expected to be out of Les Bleus' upcoming clash against the Netherlands on June 19. Mbappe could play the third and final group game against Poland on June 25.
Austria goalkeeper Patrick Pentz speaks about Kylian Mbappe's injury at Euro 2024
Patrick Pentz was the first one to attend to Kylian Mbappe after the France captain broke his nose in his side's Euro 2024 opener. He immediately called for medical attention to take care of Mbappe.
Pentz reflected on the matter, telling the media after the game (via Express):
"I just saw his face was covered in blood. You don't know if it's a cut or something worse. After I saw the blood, I behaved fairly, not like him."
Pentz, however, was annoyed with Mbappe's behavior after the injury. The attacker entered the pitch without the referee's permission and sat on the field. He was booked as a result. Pentz said about the incident:
"This is crazy. You don't really want to see situations like this in a tournament like this."
Mbappe's potential absence in the Netherlands game is a big blow for France. Didier Deschamps' side, however, have other notable attackers in their ranks, including Olivier Giroud, Ousmane Dembele and Kingsley Coman.