After the match, a furious Mbappé demanded that Deschamps immediately dismiss a player. “He doesn’t deserve to start,” he declared.
France’s resounding 5-4 defeat to Spain has sparked a controversy in the French football world. At the center of the controversy are a series of explosive statements from key figures, including Lilian Thuram, Marcus Thuram, and Kylian Mbappé, who criticized the decisions of national team coach Didier Deschamps. Lilian Thuram, a French football legend and 1998 World Cup winner, publicly criticized Deschamps for not fielding his son, Marcus Thuram, in the crucial match. He claimed that the Inter Milan striker, known for his speed and finishing, could have made the difference against a formidable Spanish team. Lilian did not mince words, even going so far as to harshly criticize a Paris Saint-Germain player, accusing him of lacking commitment and of not deserving a place in the national team, without revealing his identity.
Marcus Thuram, for his part, intensified the controversy by calling for Deschamps’ dismissal. Frustrated by his absence from the field and the team’s overall performance, he called the defeat humiliating and believed the coach had made unacceptable tactical decisions. His comments sparked a heated debate: some fans supported his boldness, while others considered his remarks disrespectful to such an experienced coach. But the controversy didn’t end there. Kylian Mbappé, the team’s captain and star, also expressed his anger. In a sensational media outburst, he demanded the immediate dismissal of a player, declaring that he “doesn’t deserve to be a starter.” Although Mbappé didn’t name the player in question, his comments fueled speculation and increased the pressure on Deschamps.
Faced with this wave of criticism, Didier Deschamps responded with his usual calm, yet undeniable firmness. During a press conference, he defended his tactical decisions, explaining that each one was made in the best interest of the team and based on the context of the match. He also protected his players, rejecting the accusations against one of them and calling for unity within the squad. His calm and incisive response somewhat calmed the tensions, but did not extinguish the debate. This matter highlights the enormous expectations weighing on the French national team and its coach, especially after such a spectacular defeat. The criticism of Thuram and Mbappé reflects the frustration of a generation of players and fans who demand immediate results. However, Deschamps, with his track record of success, seems determined to stay the course. This crisis, although temporary, is risky.
