Mbappé's Premature Return Outrages France Coach

Mbappé’s Premature Return Outrages France Coach

Kylian Mbappé’s premature return to action has sparked controversy within the French national team, with head coach Didier Deschamps and his staff expressing outrage. Mbappé, who was expected to be sidelined for three weeks after sustaining an injury against Real Madrid, made a surprise appearance against Lille in the UEFA Champions League just nine days later. He subsequently played 70 minutes against Villarreal on Saturday.

Deschamps and his coaching staff are reportedly unhappy with Mbappé’s decision to rush back into action, as they believe it was solely motivated by his desire to play for Paris Saint-Germain. They feel that the French captain has “erased himself from the national team” by prioritizing his club commitments over his international responsibilities.

France’s recent loss to Italy in the UEFA Nations League has further fueled the controversy. The team currently sits in second place in Group 2 and faces crucial matches against Hungary and Belgium in the coming weeks. Mbappé’s absence from the squad has raised questions about his commitment to the national team and his ability to lead the team to success.

The situation has also drawn criticism from former France and Manchester United captain Patrice Evra. Evra questioned the decision to hand Mbappé the captaincy, arguing that he is not yet on the same level as Karim Benzema. He also criticized the team’s decision to give Mbappé preferential treatment, suggesting that it could undermine the team’s motivation.

Mbappé’s actions have sparked a wave of backlash, with many fans and pundits expressing their disappointment. The controversy has cast a shadow over the French national team and raised concerns about Mbappé’s future with the team.

Antoine Griezmann Retires from International Football

Antoine Griezmann Retires from International Football

Antoine Griezmann, the 2018 World Cup-winning star, has announced his retirement from international football, marking the end of a remarkable 10-year career with the French national team.

Griezmann, 33, made his France debut in 2014 and has since become one of the most decorated players in the country’s history. With 137 caps, he ranks third behind Hugo Lloris (145) and Lilian Thuram (142). He is also fourth on France’s all-time scoring list with 44 goals, trailing only Olivier Giroud, Thierry Henry, and Kylian Mbappe.

Griezmann played a pivotal role in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, scoring in the 4-2 victory over Croatia in the final. He was also instrumental in the team’s run to the Euro 2016 final, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals.

Despite his impressive achievements, Griezmann’s recent performances for France have been less than stellar. He struggled to find his best form at Euro 2024, where the team reached the semi-finals. His last appearance for Les Bleus came in a UEFA Nations League win over Belgium earlier this month.

Griezmann’s retirement is a significant moment for French football, as it marks the end of an era for the national team. Lloris, Varane, and Giroud have all recently retired from international duty, leaving a void in the squad.

Coach Didier Deschamps will name his next France squad this Thursday ahead of Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium. It remains to be seen who will step up to fill the void left by Griezmann and the other departed veterans.

Michael Olise Earns French National Team Call-Up After Olympic Success

Michael Olise Earns French National Team Call-Up After Olympic Success

English-born winger Michael Olise has been rewarded for his impressive performances for France at the Olympics by being called up to the full French national team for the start of their UEFA Nations League campaign next month. The 22-year-old, who was born and brought up in London to a Nigerian father and French-Algerian mother, was arguably the standout player in Thierry Henry’s France team that won the Olympic silver medal at the Paris Games earlier this month.

Olise has also recently joined Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace for a reported 60 million euros ($66.6m), off the back of scoring 10 goals in 19 games in the Premier League last season.

“Michael did great things with Thierry Henry’s Olympic team and he has moved up into a new category with his transfer to Bayern Munich,” coach Didier Deschamps told reporters. “It is quite logical that he should now come with us. He still has progress to make but potentially he has a lot of quality.”

France host Italy at the Parc des Princes in Paris next Friday, September 6, before taking on Belgium three days later in Lyon.

Olise is not the only member of the Olympic squad to make the step up, with 23-year-old Borussia Moenchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone also getting the call from Deschamps.

There is also a return to the squad for Chelsea centre-back Wesley Fofana, 23, whose only cap so far came in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Gibraltar over a year ago.

Kylian Mbappe will feature for France for the first time since making his debut for new club Real Madrid.

Players who went to Euro 2024 in Germany — where France reached the semi-final — but have been left out this time, include Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard, Bayern winger Kingsley Coman, and midfielder Adrien Rabiot. The latter was a regular at the Euros but his absence from the squad is related to the fact he currently has no club after leaving Juventus when his contract expired.

Veteran striker Olivier Giroud, now playing for Major League Soccer outfit Los Angeles FC, retired from international duty after the European Championship.

Les Bleus, who won the Nations League in 2021, will also play Israel in League A Group 2, with remaining matches taking place in October and November.

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