July 8th 2024.
Kylian Mbappe is currently facing some challenges with his face mask, which has raised concerns about his performance in the upcoming Euro 2024 semi-final against Spain. Frank Leboeuf, a former French footballer, has proposed that it may be in the team's best interest to leave Mbappe out of the starting lineup.
As the highly anticipated match against Spain in Munich approaches, the stakes are high for the French team. However, their performance so far has been lackluster, with only three goals scored in five games. Even more concerning is the fact that these goals were mostly own goals and a penalty. This has led to speculation that the team may need to make some changes in order to secure a spot in the final match against either England or the Netherlands.
One factor that may be contributing to France's offensive struggles is the injury sustained by their star player and captain, Kylian Mbappe. In the opening game against Austria, Mbappe broke his nose, and has since been playing with a protective face mask. However, it is evident that this injury has taken a toll on the talented forward, as he has not been performing at his usual level. In fact, he was even substituted in the quarter-final against Portugal, despite the game being in its final minutes and penalties looming.
Manager Didier Deschamps explained that Mbappe was too fatigued to continue playing, a statement that was later echoed by the player himself. Leboeuf, who has won both the World Cup and Euros with France, believes that at this crucial stage, it may be risky to rely on an injured Mbappe to start the match.
"He's been struggling for a while now. First, it was with Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, and now it's because of his injury," Leboeuf shared in an interview with ESPN. "It's not the Mbappe that we're used to seeing. Because of his injury, I don't think he can play at his full potential. Whether he should play or not is not my decision."
Leboeuf believes that, for the sake of the team and Mbappe himself, it may be best for him to sit out of the semi-final match. "He's not at 100 percent, maybe only 50 or 60 percent, due to the mask and his injury. It's not his fault, but he shouldn't play. I think it's affecting his breathing and vision, which are crucial for a footballer," he explained.
The former defender also made it clear that his concerns were not due to any personal bias against Mbappe, whom he admires as a player. "I have nothing against Mbappe, I am his biggest fan. I have even been criticized for always defending him," Leboeuf said. "But in this situation, he shouldn't play. If he was fully fit, then of course he should play. But right now, it's not in the best interest of the country or the team for him to be on the field."
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