Kylian Mbappe “touched” by Olivier Giroud’s criticisms but eager to move on | Football news

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PARIS: Kylian Mbappe admitted he was “affected” by public comments perceived to be critical of compatriot Olivier Giroud following a friendly against Bulgaria, but insisted he did not want to let it become a distraction for France at Euro 2020. Tensions surfaced between the two players after Chelsea striker Giroud complained about not receiving the ball often enough in the 3-0 victory of Tuesday against Bulgaria, during which he scored twice. “I was a little affected by this but we’re not going to make a big deal out of it,” Mbappe told reporters on Sunday at the Clairefontaine National Training Center. “We are here to represent France and the national team is the most important thing. We have a big competition and these trivial things are not going to disrupt our preparation.” Mbappe, Ligue 1’s top scorer last season with 27 goals, revealed he wanted to tackle the issue earlier in the week but was dissuaded from doing so by France coach Didier Deschamps. “I wanted to come on Thursday (to the press conference) to explain myself. After speaking with the coach, it was not the best time,” said the 22-year-old. “He decided the best time was today, so I did as I was told and came today.” The Paris Saint-Germain star claimed it wasn’t what Giroud said that bothered him, but the public nature of his words. “I saw him in the locker room, I went to congratulate him on his goals. He didn’t say anything to me and then I learned that in the media.” I would have preferred that he came and even be a lot more scathing. about that. In the locker room, if I have something to say to someone, I will tell them and it stays there, I have no problem. But Mbappe sought to end the brewing feud ahead of France’s tournament opener against Germany in Munich. Tuesday. “I don’t want this to bother the team. We will have some really tough tests already, we don’t need to make it any harder.” Giroud, 34, is France’s second-highest scorer of all time, his 46 goals just behind Thierry Henry (51). The world champions have a But with the return of Karim Benzema in the workforce after five and a half years in exile and Antoine Griezmann also in the workforce, the Blues face Hungary in Budapest in their second Group F match then face defending champions Portugal at Puskas Arena on June 19 in a repeat of the 2016 final.

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