France coach Didier Deschamps reacts to criticism of Les Bleus at Euro 2024 and discusses Kylian Mbappe the day before semi-final against Spain.
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- Deschamps speaks at press conference
- Mbappe mentality questioned
- France to face Spain in semi-final
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Deschamps was speaking ahead of France's semi-final clash with Spain, with Les Bleus yet to impress in the tournament and star attacker Mbappe struggling to hit top form.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Similar to England, France have managed to grind their way to the last four of the tournament. Despite incredible attacking talent, they have scored only three goals in five games and have won just two of those in 90 minutes. Mbappe's only goal of the tournament was a group stage penalty against Poland – the French skipper has also been nursing a broken nose.
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WHAT DESCHAMPS SAID ABOUT FRANCE'S CRITICS
Responding to a Swedish journalist, Deschamps said: "You're Swedish? No, you are a French journalist in disguise! If you are getting bored, watch another game, you don't have to watch that is fine.
"It is a European Championship, it is very difficult for everyone up until now. Maybe it isn't the same as in the past but we have the capability to share emotions, make lots of French men and women happy with our results which we've pulled out the big in a period where there is a lot going on at home. If the Swedish are getting bored, sorry but it doesn't bother me that much."
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WHAT DESCHAMPS SAID ABOUT MBAPPE
"He played 110 minutes, we knew extra time was a bit hard," Deschamps said of his talisman. "Physically, even if he seems slightly off, he will be on that pitch. We wanted him to rest up as much as he needed to. We did everything we could and I am convinced that Kylian is in the right headspace.
"It is not linked to the last game but the end of last season, he had an issue with his back, his blow to the nose, he knows it could have been the end of the road but he's still here. I am convinced tomorrow Kylian will do everything, as everyone will, to give it 110 per cent."
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