"I respect the Belgians, but I'm not afraid" - Former France star Emmanuel Petit makes honest admission ahead of Euro 2024 clash
Former France star Emmanuel Petit made an honest assessment of the Belgium national team ahead of the two nations' clash in the Round of 16 at EURO 2024. The 53-year-old claimed that he respected the quality in Belgium's squad, but said that he was 'not afraid' of the threat posed by them.
The Frenchman played as a defensive midfielder or left-back during his playing career. He played for Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea at club level, and made 63 appearances for his national side (six goals, seven assists).
Petit was part of one of the most successful French sides in history. Under the captaincy of current coach Didier Deschamps, he lifted the 1998 FIFA World Cup and the 2000 UEFA European Championship.
Previewing the match against Belgium on July 1, the French icon claimed that midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is a world-class player, but fails to produce on the big stage. He said: (via Tribal Football):
"I respect the Belgians, but I'm not afraid. [Kevin] De Bruyne is excellent, but he hasn't played a single good European or World Cup yet."
Petit went on to highlight the poor performances of star striker Romelu Lukaku, saying that he's distracted by speculations surrounding his future at Chelsea. He also called out Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku and the Belgian defense, adding:
"I think [Jeremy] Doku is weak and the uncertainty about his future weighs on Romelu Lukaku. In addition, the Belgian defense is not even sufficient for a mid-table team in the Premier League."
Belgium and France both finished second in their groups, behind Romania and Austria respectively. Romelu Lukaku has missed plenty of big chances for the Red Devils in the tournament.
"As a leader, he hasn't responded" - Emmanuel Petit delivers damning verdict on France captain Kylian Mbappe
While he lambasted Belgium, Emmanuel Petit had firm words for Les Bleus captain Kylian Mbappe as well.
France struggled in the group stage, managing only one win in three games against Austria (1-0). Surprisingly, the team they beat topped the group, while they barely made it through in second place. They earned five points after draws against the Netherlands (0-0) and Poland (1-1).
Mbappe suffered a nose injury in the opening game against Austria, which caused him to miss the game against the Netherlands. He came back against Poland, scoring a penalty in the 56th minute, but didn't look nearly as effective as he did at previous international tournaments.
Petit didn't hesitate in calling out Real Madrid's newest recruit, saying (via talkSPORT):
"For me, Kylian Mbappe is probably the best player in the team and the team is behind him but as I said before, as a leader, he hasn't responded in the best way on the pitch. He is asking always about responsibility, to be the main man, to be the best player in the world. He has great ambition but he has to put himself under pressure because you have been there."
With their EURO 2024 title challenge on the line, France take on Belgium in their Round of 16 clash at Dusseldorf's Merkur Spiel Arena on July 1.