Kylian Mbappe has issued a damning self assessment of his and France’s Euros after they were knocked in the semi-finals by Spain – furthering their wait for another trophy
Kylian Mbappe admits his Euros were a “failure” as France were dumped out in the last four by Spain.
Les Bleus – World Cup finalists less than two years ago – came into the tournament as joint favourites but failed to look anywhere near their best throughout their time in Germany. Scoring goals was a problem with their main man unable to fire.
Mbappe has found life difficult at the Euros, missing the penalty that ended France hopes three years ago against Switzerland. This year he failed to score from open play as the Real Madrid bound star, so often prolific, failed to step up for his country and delivered a damning self assessment.
The ex-PSG star is heading for the Spanish capital but, after providing the assist for Randal Kolo Muani’s opener, struggled to influence proceedings and missed a huge chance in the second-half. His only goal at the tournament came from the spot as he was left to reflect on a missed opportunity.
He said: “My competition? It was difficult. It was a failure. We had the ambition to be European champions; I had the ambition to be European champion. We aren’t that, so it’s a failure. It’s football. We have to move on. It’s been a long year. I’m going to go on holiday and get some rest – that’ll do me a lot of good, and I’ll try and come back strongly.”
One of the tournament’s lasting images is Mbappe wearing a face mask, which he had to do as a precaution following a nose injury he picked up in the group stages. The Frenchman claimed it hindered his vision and was uncomfortable to wear during games.
He played without it in Munich on Tuesday night and confessed it was a hindrance. When asked if the injury had held him back he replied: “It was everything. You shouldn’t overcomplicate it, it was either good or it was not. Voila, I was not good and we are going home. It’s simple.”
France’s opening goal in the semi-final was their first from open play with their most regular sources of goals coming courtesy of their opponents as they benefited from several own goals.
It means Les Blues, after reaching the final back in 2016, have still not won the Euros since 2000 – back in the days of Zinedine Zidane and co. Didier Deschamps though stopped short of singling out players for blame.
He said: “I am not going to pass on the responsibility, I am in charge and I am responsible. We were facing a Spain side with such quality. Even though Antoine didn’t start, Kylian did and we tried to do our best with what we had. And we tried to be as efficient as possible.”
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