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France manager Didier Deschamps has revealed why star striker Kylian Mbappe was left on the bench during last night’s game with Germany.
Les Bleus suffered their first defeat in six games, losing 2-1 to their rivals on Tuesday evening – with Thomas Muller and Leroy Sane scoring for the hosts.
The win came just days after they sacked Hansi Flick, just nine months before the start of Euro 2024, following a run of bad results.
Many will notice that Mbappe was named on the bench and was not even introduced as a substitute – despite going 2-0 down. Antoine Griezmann scored late on from the spot, but it only proved to be a consolation for Les Bleus.
Kylian Mbappe (right) was an unused substitute during France’s clash with Germany on Tuesday
Germany finally returned to winning ways with a 2-1 friendly victory over France on Tuesday
After the game, Deschamps explained that Mbappe injured his knee during the team’s training session on Monday.
Much to the relief of man PSG fans, Deschamps revealed that the injury was not serious and that benching him was just a precautionary measure.
Speaking to L’Equipe after their defeat to the Euro 2024 hosts, Deschamps said: ‘Kylian has a problem with his patellar tendon following yesterday’s training (Monday).’
‘It’s not serious, but it’s a problem that bothers him and with risks too. If he couldn’t start, he shouldn’t have been brought on either.’
France are next in action in October, when they travel to the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
They currently sit top of Group B, six points ahead of the Netherlands – with just three games left to play.
As for Germany, their next game will be a trip to the United States of America on Saturday, October 14, followed by a clash with Mexico four days later.
It remains to be seen as to who will succeed Flick, with Julian Nagelsmann appearing to be an early frontrunner.
Didier Deschamps revealed benching that Mbappe was just a precautionary measure
France’s next game is a Euro 2024 qualifier against Netherlands, with Mbappe hoping to be involved
Germany were being led by interim coach and sporting director Rudi Voller (right) after Hansi Flick was sacked on Sunday following a dismal run of form
Speaking after the game France, Voller revealed that it was a ‘relief’ to get a win after their difficult run of form.
‘It is important for the players, the federation to play like that, especially in the first half it was a top performance,’ Voller said.
‘It was a relief for all of us. It just feels good especially after the recent defeats,’ added Voller.
