Kylian Mbappe has emerged as a global football icon, but recent developments, including his move to Real Madrid, have sparked controversy. French football star Patrice Evra believes France may be playing it too safe with their handling of Kylian Mbappe, especially with Real Madrid’s interest in mind.
Evra’s Perspective on Kylian Mbappe’s Exclusion
- Former French international Patrice Evra shared his thoughts on Didier Deschamps’ decision to leave Mbappe out of the national squad.
- Evra suggests France’s hesitation could be tied to their desire to avoid upsetting Real Madrid by risking Mbappe’s fitness.
- Evra states, “If you call him up and he gets injured, it could damage your relationship with [Florentino] Perez.”
Fitness Concerns and Real Madrid
- After Mbappe’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the stakes are higher.
- Despite his omission from the French national team due to fitness concerns, Mbappe recently played a full match for Real Madrid.
- This sparked a debate about the extent of France’s protective stance towards Mbappe.
Evra’s Criticism: The Mbappe Legend
- Evra expressed concern that France has placed too much faith in Kylian Mbappe, raising him to a level that might hinder his motivation.
- “You gave him the keys to PSG and the national team, but Mbappe is still a young player,” said Evra, suggesting Antoine Griezmann would have been a more suitable national captain.
The Mbappe vs. Benzema Debate
- A major talking point in Evra’s remarks revolves around comparisons between Mbappe and Karim Benzema.
- While Mbappe is a young star, Evra emphasizes that he does not yet match Benzema’s achievements, particularly the latter’s five Champions League titles.
Impact on French National Team
- Evra acknowledges the importance of Mbappe’s role, but he suggests that the French team may have rushed into giving him too much responsibility.
- Evra asserts that the collective responsibility of France’s football culture is to blame for creating what he calls the “Mbappe legend.”
Key Takeaways
- Patrice Evra criticizes the French football establishment for over-elevating Kylian Mbappe.
- Concerns over Mbappe’s fitness have led to his exclusion from France’s national squad, partly influenced by Real Madrid’s interests.
- Comparisons between Mbappe and Karim Benzema continue to stir debate, with Evra suggesting that Mbappe has not yet reached Benzema’s level.
FAQs
- Why was Kylian Mbappe excluded from the French squad?
Mbappe was excluded due to fitness concerns following his recent move to Real Madrid. - What did Patrice Evra say about Mbappe’s role in France?
Evra criticized the over-elevation of Mbappe and suggested Griezmann should have been given the captaincy. - How does Mbappe compare to Benzema according to Evra?
Evra believes Mbappe hasn’t reached Benzema’s level, particularly in terms of career achievements. - Why did France choose not to risk Mbappe’s fitness?
France did not want to strain their relationship with Real Madrid by risking Mbappe’s fitness during international games. - What impact did Mbappe’s transfer to Real Madrid have?
His transfer has increased the stakes for France, affecting decisions related to his involvement with the national team. - Why did Evra believe Griezmann should be captain?
Evra felt that Griezmann has more experience and consistency, making him a better choice for captaincy over Mbappe. - What are Mbappe’s recent performances like?
Mbappe’s recent performances have drawn criticism, with some pointing to his decision to leave PSG as a contributing factor. - How many Champions League titles has Mbappe won?
Mbappe has yet to win a Champions League title, whereas Benzema has won five. - What role did Deschamps play in Mbappe’s rise?
Didier Deschamps contributed to Mbappe’s elevation in the national team by giving him a leadership role. - Is Evra supportive of Mbappe’s future?
Evra respects Mbappe but believes the football community has placed too much pressure on him too early in his career.
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