“You can’t say much a thing” - Ex-France manager slams Kylian Mbappe for his comments on Argentina and Brazil
Former France manager Raymond Domenech has slammed PSG forward Kylian Mbappe over his controversial comments on Brazil and Argentina in relation to the level of football in South America. The attacker claimed that the two nations don't face tough opponents before qualifying for the World Cup, a statement that didn't sit well with the former Les Bleus boss.
Mbappe made the infamous statement during an interview with TNT Brasil. He tried to portray the difference between European and South American football with an emphasis on the quality of national teams in the two regions.
Mbappe speaks on the difference between South American and European football 👀 https://t.co/BGbQZ6MLHx
“Argentina and Brazil don't play top matches before qualifying for the World Cup," the PSG attacker told TNT Brasil via Footmercato. "In South America, football is not as advanced as in Europe. And that's why, when you look at the last World Cups, it's always the Europeans who win."
This statement was met with a major backlash, especially in South America. Domenech has joined in to air his opinion on the controversial comments from the Parisian forward.
The 70-year-old did not hold back when querried by Argentine outlet Ole on the subject. Domenech hit out at his compatriot and slammed him for the incorrect comment.
Lionel Messi when he heard Kylian Mbappe say that football in South America is not as advanced as Europe. https://t.co/F1uUsH1ve4
“Mbappe, it would have been better if he kept quiet," the former France manager told Ole, as qouted by Footmercato. "You cannot say such a thing, say that Chile or Colombia are not good teams. There are players who play in Europe, in all the clubs. Teams like Uruguay, with top players. I don't know... He shouldn't have mentioned it. For me, you can't say that."
Who will Kylian Mbappe and France face in World Cup group?
Defending champions France have been drawn in Group D of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar next month, alongside Australia, Denmark and Tunisia. Les Bleus will open their title defence against Australia at the Al Wakrah Sports Complex on November 22 before facing Denmark on November 26 and Tunisia four days later.
Kylian Mbappe appears to be in top gear ahead of the World Cup. The attacker has recorded 14 goals and two assists for PSG in 15 appearances across competitions. It remains to be seen if he can guide Les Bleus to another World Cup glory in Qatar. No team has successfully defended their title since Brazil in 1962.