REVEALED: Kylian Mbappe ‘REJECTS Olivier Giroud’s apology’ for criticising the France star’s play in the 3-0 win over Bulgaria… as Didier Deschamps ‘calls a team meeting and urges his side “move on”‘ as the rift threatens to disrupt the Euro 2020 favourites’ tournament
Kylian Mbappe has reportedly rejected Olivier Giroud’s apology after the Chelsea striker criticsed his performance in France’s 3-0 win over Bulgaria.
Giroud came off the bench to score twice in the final 10 minutes of the match. However, in his post-match interview, the striker aired his frustrations over the number of passes he received from his team-mates.
According to RMC Sport, Mbappe was so livid at Giroud’s comments that he wanted to give a press conference on the matter but this was rejected by Didier Deschamps. The outlet also claim Giroud attempted to clear things up with Mbappe in Thursday’s training session but that the Paris Saint-Germain star remained hostile.
Kylian Mbappe (left) has reportedly rejected Olivier Giroud’s apology after the Chelsea striker (right) criticsed his performance in France’s 3-0 win over Bulgaria
Mbappe remained hostile in Thursday’s training session despite Giroud’s attempts to clear things up
Giroud is said to have admitted his words ‘ran away with him’ and that his comments were directed at a number of players.
After the victory over Bulgaria, Giroud told reporters: ‘Sometimes you make the runs and ball is not arriving. Perhaps we could have found each other better, there it is.’
France boss Deschamps cooled down the situation after the match and refused to blame either player, saying: ‘If you received the ball after each time you called for it, it is always the same.
Didier Deschamps called a team meeting and insited his players had to move on
‘The attacker says: “I am making runs, but it’s on the midfield.” The midfielders will say that it is on the attackers. Sometimes, the pass isn’t forthcoming, sometimes it is down to the movement. But this is not a stigmatisation of Kylian or whoever.’
Deschamps also reportedly called a meeting between the two players to attempt to resolve the situation, with the manager concerned about how it could affect his teams’ chances at the Euros.
He is then said to have held a group meeting with the full squad, telling them it was important to move on.
France are the favourites to win the tournament after their World Cup triumph in 2018 but the rift between Mbappe and Giroud threatens to disrupt their preparations.
Giroud attempted to bring Mbappe into a hug at the end of the session but tension remained
There have been fall-outs in the France camp in previous tournaments, with Nicolas Anelka sent home from the 2010 World Cup after clashing with coach Raymond Domenech.
After the team meeting, Giroud is said to have forced a hug upon Mbappe after providing him with two assists in a small-sided game at the end of training.
However, the 22-year-old remained ‘moody’ and there is repotedly still tension between the pair.
France kick off their Euro 2020 campaign against Germany on Tuesday before facing Portugal and Hungary in their remaining Group F fixtures.
