Munich (AP) – He is a genius and a diva. The most gifted among many gifted among the French, but also an egomaniac. A potential world footballer and a potential troublemaker.
In short: Kylian Mbappé is the greatest hope and the greatest danger in one person for football world champions France at the European Championships. And for the first opponent Germany on Tuesday (9 p.m. / ZDF and Magenta TV), the reverse is a specter and an anchor of hope.
Dispute with Giroud
Because it was Mbappé who caused the only bad mood in a good preparation. Through an unnecessary dispute with Sturm colleague Olivier Giroud. His half-sentence, he didn’t get enough balls, has been a public topic for a week thanks to Mbappé’s piqued reaction. His request to publicly explain his view of things was initially denied to the 22-year-old. And when he was allowed to appear in front of the press on Sunday, he spoke of a “small micro-episode”, but still explained in detail what bothered him how much.
Coach Didier Deschamps is nicknamed “General”, but acts as a balancing element in cases like these. «As in every group, I have found that there are affinities. It’s also a question of generations, “he told L’Equipe:” But on the pitch they all wear the same jersey and I know that one person is committed to the other. “
Better with Benzema
But there is more to the little dispute. Giroud’s accusing looks during the dress rehearsal against Bulgaria (3-0) showed that Mbappé felt rightly addressed. The fact that he doesn’t play in a way that is helpful to the team is an often quiet, but constant reproach from the team. Giroud, who played for his chance to replace the ailing Karim Benzema, may also have taken the matter personally. Because the fact that Mbappé would like to play with Benzema and that Benzema would like to guide him to Real Madrid is an open secret.
In general, Mbappé’s unresolved future is the next problem. The striker, who cost 180 million in 2017, did not want to extend his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, which expires in 2022. He doesn’t want to make a decision until after the European Championship. Officially, because he doesn’t want to bring any unrest to the national team. In truth, the opposite is the case: the topic is omnipresent during the European Championship.
Meanwhile, there is no doubt about Mbappé’s qualities. «He can make the difference. At any time. He can do anything, ”said Benzema. Deschamps also made it clear that he sees a candidate as a future world footballer in Mbappé: “His potential is limitless.” The association points out that Mbappé has already scored more with 17 international goals than Cristiano Ronaldo (15) or Lionel Messi (12) at the same age with only slightly fewer appearances (44/43/39).
Outstanding offensive trio
With Benzema and Antoine Griezmann he will form an offensive trio in Munich that is unparalleled anywhere in the world. But he too can feel addressed when Deschamps warns above all about arrogance. The 52-year-old said he would be the favorite: “But quality and talent are not enough. Confidence must never turn into overconfidence. “
Therefore, it is a balancing act to capture things like between Mbappé and Giroud, but to maintain a healthy tension. “A negative environment can affect a group,” said Deschamps: “But an ultra-positive environment can have even more negative effects. Because if we get sleepy, we won’t achieve our goals. ” When asked whether Germany was being underestimated, Deschamps gave a telling answer: “At least I don’t.”
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210614-99-985910 / 3
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