Kylian Mbappe sat silent while 29-year-old France star delivered rant after France’s loss to Italy as rumored details of dressing room fallout emerges
France star Kylian Mbappe was left in stunned silence as Mike Maignan gave a dressing down to the entire team after losing to Italy. The goalkeeper was livid at his teammate's performance in Les Bleus' 3-1 loss on Friday, September 6.
France faced Italy at home in their first 2024-25 UEFA Nations League match. The hosts got off to a brilliant start as young forward Bradley Barcola scored in the first minute.
However, Federico Dimarco equalized in the 30th minute before Davide Frattesi handed Italy the lead six minutes into the second half. Giacomo Raspadori sealed the win for the visitors with a well-taken goal in the 74th minute.
According to reports, Maignan addressed his teammates including captain Kylian Mbappe and vice-captain Antoine Griezmann. They sat in silence as the goalkeeper let his thoughts known in the dressing room.
After the match, the 29-year-old custodian played down reports of his outburst.
"What is said in the locker room stays between us. There no need to worry," Maignan told the media via the Mirror.
Maignan's international teammate Ibrahima Konate was asked what happened in the dressing room, but the Liverpool defender remained coy.
"If I can summarise what was said, it's that we have individuals who are extraordinary," Konate told French broadcaster Telefoot via the Mirror.
Konate also spoke about the talent his teammates possess but admitted they need to work better as a team.
"But we have to put these individuals at the service of the collective," added Konate. "With the team we have, we have to scare everyone and today, being beaten 3-1 at home is disappointing. It's sad. Now that's over, we have to show a reaction."
France suffered disappointment at the 2024 European Championship, crashing out in the semi-finals against eventual winners Spain. However, manager Didier Deschamps was backed by the French FA.
Kylian Mbappe expected to be rested against Belgium
France will be aiming to return to winning ways in their second UEFA Nations League match against Belgium on Monday, September 9.
However, Kylian Mbappe is expected to be rested for the match, according to L'Equipe. Although the forward is not injured, manager Deschamps has reportedly decided to afford the Real Madrid star a rest after a hectic start to the season.
Mbappe played the entire 90 minutes against Italy while he has played all but 10 minutes for Los Blancos in their first four La Liga matches. The 25-year-old was subbed off after 83 minutes on his Real Madrid debut, a 2-0 win over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup where he scored.