Kylian Mbappé's Readiness for Euro 2024 Under the Spotlight
On the eve of France-Canada (0-0) and again on Thursday in Paderborn, star forward Kylian Mbappé missed the collective session. Officially, he was “spared” by the medical team due to a knock he took during a preparation match against Luxembourg. As the first match of Euro 2024 against Austria looms on Monday in Düsseldorf, questions about his fitness have arisen. However, his teammates and the staff appear confident. “That doesn’t worry me at all,” said Olivier Giroud, emphasizing that missing two training sessions doesn't impact one's physical condition significantly. Benjamin Pavard echoed these sentiments, praising Mbappé's determination and readiness for the competition.
Mbappé's role in the French team extends beyond his on-field prowess. As the team captain, he sets an example both on and off the field. “Kylian is a great player, he sets an example on and off the field. He’s a very good captain,” Pavard said. This leadership role is essential for France's ambitions in the European Championship, as they rely heavily on their star player to perform at his peak.
Mbappé's Insights on Teammates and Preparations
In a three-part interview with Ouest-France, Mbappé discussed the 25 players selected by Didier Deschamps for Euro 2024. Reflecting on their capabilities, he highlighted Adrien Rabiot’s evolution, calling him a mature player and a 'man' in his decision-making. Similarly, the return of N'Golo Kanté brought joy and competitiveness to the squad, even though Kanté's reserved nature often contrasts with his fierce on-field persona.
Mbappé has also taken a mentoring role for younger players like Warren Zaire-Emery, whom he sees as a 'little brother'. “People call him 'the robot' but he’s simply introverted,” said Mbappé, stressing the importance of understanding each player's unique personality. Another young star, Bradley Barcola, is expected to make a significant impact during the Euro. Mbappé encourages him to be prepared for opportunities that may arise during the tournament.
When speaking about Ousmane Dembélé, Mbappé's tone is lighter, describing him as 'endearing' and 'contagiously lighthearted,' while also noting the mystery surrounding Dembélé's ambidextrous nature. His deep respect extends to Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, and Didier Deschamps, whom he regards as 'legends'. Mbappé’s admiration for Giroud is evident as he praises his determination and resilience at 37, while Deschamps is lauded for his monumental achievements, with Euro 2024 being the final accolade remaining for the coach.
- This narrative around Mbappé not only highlights his significant role but also the depth and unity of the French squad. Despite the concerns over his minor injury, the collective confidence from both staff and players indicate a robust preparation ahead of Euro 2024. This synergy is pivotal for the team to achieve their ambitious goals in the tournament.
