The ugly fall-out from France’s humbling defeat to Italy has continued, with a Liverpool star the latest to hint at serious unrest within the team.
Didier Deschamps’ side slipped to a 3-1 defeat against Italy at the Parc des Princes on Friday in their Nations League fixture.
It was the first time France had lost to Italy on home soil in over 70 years.
The defeat reportedly left goalkeeper Mike Maignan seething, with French publication L’Equipe claiming he tore into the side for two minutes.
According to the report, Maignan was furious at the lack of commitment and attitude from his teammates and that Italy deserved the win because of their hunger and desire.
French goalkeeper Mike Maignan reportedly ripped into his teammates in the dressing room
Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps has a job on his hands to improve internal morale
Superstar forward Kylian Mbappe was not able to find the back of the net against Italy
Maignan later played down the incident, stating in a post-match interview that ‘what is said in the locker room stays between us’ and there ‘is no need to worry’.
However, French centre-back Ibrahima Konate has also spoken out after the defeat and appeared to take a thinly-veiled swipe at some of Les Bleus’ biggest names.
Speaking to French publication Telefoot, Konate all but confirmed Maignan’s dressing room tirade took place and called on certain stars to lift their game.
‘If I can summarise what was said, it’s that we have individuals who are extraordinary,’ Konate said.
‘But we have to put these individuals at the service of the collective. With the team we have, we have to scare everyone and today, being beaten 3-1 at home is disappointing. It’s sad.
‘Now that’s over, we have to show a reaction.’
Another sign the waters within the French set-up are muddier than first thought are recent comments from star forward Antoine Griezmann.
Like several of his teammates throughout the European Championships, Griezmann was not at his best and failed to contribute a goal or an assist from France’s six games.
French centre-back Ibrahima Konate took aim at some of the bigger names in the squad
Griezmann had a Euro 2024 campaign to forget, failing to score a goal or provide an assist
In fact, the 33-year-old did not earn a starting berth for Les Bleus’ Group D clash against Poland or their semi final clash with Spain.
It didn’t help that Griezmann was deployed in several roles throughout Euro 2024, ranging from on the right wing to second striker and even attacking midfield.
In an interview with Marca, Griezmann opened up on just how frustrated the demotions to the bench left him, even if they were decisions made for the benefit of the team.
‘There were a lot of position and tactical changes and we had to deal with that,’ Griezmann said.
‘I had done my preparation with Atletico to be in good physical shape. If I had scored the two goals against Holland, my Euros would have been different.
‘Did it bother me to change position? Not when I was on the pitch, but against Poland and Spain I was upset not to play. They were tactical decisions and you have to respect them, even if they bother you.
Deschamps’ decision to drop Griezmann for two games at Euro 2024 left the forward ‘upset’
Griezmann had to play in three different positions throughout France’s Euro 2024 campaign
‘Everything revolves around the team. But it hasn’t been my best competition.’
The attention for France immediately shifts to their second Nations League clash against Belgium in Lyon on Monday.
Deschamps’ side will take plenty of comfort going into the fixture given they eliminated Belgium in the Round of 16 at Euro 2024.
However, with the reported turmoil within France’s camp, they could unravel and have nowhere to hide.
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