France face Spain in the first Euro 2024 semi-final on Tuesday night, despite the World Cup runners up – and their talisman Kylian Mbappe – failing to hit the heights in Germany
Didier Deschamps has told Kylian Mbappe that he will have to play through the pain barrier if France are going to reach the Euro final.
Deschamps revealed that his most potent forward is struggling to come to terms with having to wear a mask to protect the nose he broke in the opening game against Austria three weeks ago.
Mbappe also admitted he asked to come off during the quarter-final penalty shoot-out victory over Portugal because he was shattered – but the France coach has urged the Real Madrid superstar to come to the party as the tournament starts to reach its climax with a semi-final against Spain in Munich.
Deschamps said: “For Kylian it is a new situation with the mask. He has a field of vision that is modified. It has been a huge shock for him. He has had to get used to that because he will need to wear the mask for the next few weeks or even months.
“He came off (against Portugal) after 110 minutes because the extra-time was tough for him, like it was tough for everyone. Kylian had a back issue at the end of the season – and then he took that blow to his nose.
“So he has been slightly off his game – but he will be on the pitch and we have done everything we can to make sure Kylian is in the right headspace for this game.”
France have one of the most feared attacking line-ups at the Euros but have only scored three goals in five games – and none from open play. Deschamps was not happy when a Swedish journalist challenged him about his misfiring forward line by suggesting that Les Bleus have become Les Bores.
The French coach suggested his players are now primed to give the country something to cheer after a decisive national election. Deschamps said: “If you are bored watching France then don’t watch us. Go and watch another game. You don’t have to watch France, it’s fine.
“Look, this tournament has been difficult for everyone up to now. It is not the same as the past. But we do have the chance to make a lot of French men and women happy after what has been a difficult period for our country.
“If people are bored watching us play, it doesn’t bother me too much.”
Deschamps cranked up the pressure on Spain by suggesting Luis de la Fuente’s team have been the best side in Germany so far this summer. He added: “I am not trying to put stress on Spain by saying they have been the best team at the Euros so far.
“But it is true they have left good impressions in every game they have played.”
France were beaten by Argentina in the 2022 World Cup Final in Qatar – and midfielder Adrien Rabiot has revealed that the heartbreak has become a driving force this summer. Rabiot, who returns after suspension, said: “The World Cup final still hurts. But we licked our wounds, got right back up on our feet, and we are still here at the Euros.
“Despite what people are saying, whether we are an interesting team to watch or not, the fact that we are in the semi-finals says a lot about us. If everyone goes it their all then I am sure we will be in the final.”
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