We now know the players targeted by Mike Maignan’s criticism after France’s defeat against Italy on Friday.
The French team has been experiencing a downturn in recent months, particularly during Euro 2024. This was confirmed on Friday with the defeat against Italy on the first day of the Nations League (1-3). A setback that has not gone down well in the Blues’ locker room and has particularly provoked the ire of Mike Maignan. The French goalkeeper even found those responsible for the debacle against the Squadra Azzurra.
Mike Maignan’s rant after France – Italy
It is a glacial and frustrating climate that reigns within the French Team, these last hours. An atmosphere due essentially to the debacle against Italy at home, Friday. But in addition to the defeat, it is the performance of the Blues that provoked the anger of Mike Maignan who did not hide the fact that he made it known internally according to L’Equipe.
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“There are only two Italian players who would currently have a place in the French team, but they have shown desire and aggression”he reportedly told his teammates before showing restraint in front of the microphones. “We wanted to leave the Euro with a victory, unfortunately we couldn’t do it… It’s clear that I’m taking it badly, the group is taking it badly because we are competitors, we want to win. We’re not going to look for excuses, we’re going to question ourselves,” said Mike Maignan during his visit to the mixed zone on Friday.
Mbappé and Dembélé targeted by Maignan?
If the whole team was in trouble against Italy, Mike Maignan’s rant was aimed at certain players in particular. L’Equipe revealed, in fact, this Saturday that the AC Milan goalkeeper was particularly critical of Kylian Mbappé’s attitude, who completely missed his match.
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In addition to the captain of the Blues, Ousmane Dembélé would also be in Maignan’s sights, notably because of his propensity to play solo in addition to his clumsiness in front of goal. Furthermore, the words of the French goalkeeper do not spare any player. The French team will, however, have to rectify the situation against Belgium on Monday (8:45 p.m.).
