The France National Team is going through a difficult time after the final of the 2022 World Cup. ‘Les Bleus’ were eliminated in the group stage of the most recent UEFA Nations League, fell to Spain in the semifinals of the Euro Cup, and lost at home against Italy 3-1 in their debut of the current Nations League.

The great sign of the Gauls’ poor form has been captain Kylian Mbapp. The Real Madrid attacker, who has scored two goals in his last ten games for the national team, has been criticized by fans and former French footballers.

“I am at a stage in my life and career where I no longer realize it. I come, play and try to do my best to help the team. What people think is the least of my worries,” Mbapp commented at a press conference ahead of the match against Belgium on the second day of the continental tournament.

More strong words against him

A former ‘Les Bleus’ player, Bixente Lizarazu, responded to the words of the current captain of the French squad through a column in ‘L’Equipe’. The six-time Bundesliga champion launched strong criticism at the former PSG for his words, and his current state of form.

“Kylian Mbapp’s press conference surprised and embarrassed me. The words used were inappropriate, not those of a leader and certainly not those of a captain. You cannot be insensitive to the feelings of the French team’s fans, to the frustrations they may harbor, to the questions they may have,” he said, and then sent a strong message.

“Mbapp is no longer as explosive or decisive as before. He is still a very good scorer, a very good player of course, but he is no longer as scary as before,” he added and we shall see if in fact he continues to struggle with his National Team or at Real Madrid or he finds a way to turn it around.