Kylian Mbappe needed clear-the-air talks with Olivier Giroud, but their argument is now in the past, according to France captain Hugo Lloris.
Les Bleus’ preparations for Euro 2020 have been overshadowed by an apparent spat between two of their forwards, which stems from the friendly win over Bulgaria last week.
Giroud indicated he was unhappy with some of the service he received in the 3-0 victory, comments that were perceived to be aimed specifically at Mbappe, who exchanged passes with the Chelsea forward just three times in 43 minutes.
The Paris Saint-Germain star admitted last weekend that he had been “a little affected” by Giroud’s remarks, while coach Didier Deschamps held a discussion with both players.
Lloris said Mbappe felt the need to speak his mind, but insisted the problem was overblown.
“It made more noise outside than inside,” he said on Monday ahead of France’s Euro 2020 opener with Germany. “The two explained things the next day.
“There were some small differences, but these things happen. It didn’t affect the group. Kylian needed to speak out. It’s behind us now.”
Giroud is expected to start on the bench in Munich, with Deschamps more likely to keep faith with the front three of Mbappe, Karim Benzema and Antoine Griezmann, who all started against Bulgaria.
Lloris thinks the thought of facing such an attack is likely to give the Germany defenders some sleepless nights, even if France’s collective performance will be more important.
Something to put a smile on your face this Monday!
Enjoy behind-the-scenes moments as Les Bleus fine-tune their preparations for @EURO2020 #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/4IiUwvja9b— French Team (@FrenchTeam) June 14, 2021
“They are players of a very high level, who have been regulars for many years,” he said.
“Mbappe is younger than Benzema and Griezmann, but he has already done great things.
“I understand there is some fear among our opponents, but if we want to achieve a big result, we’ll need to have great collective strength and be well balanced on the pitch.”
Lloris also praised the actions of Denmark and Finland players and fans during Saturday’s match in Copenhagen, in which Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch and required emergency treatment before being taken to hospital.
The midfielder, a former Tottenham team-mate of Lloris, was confirmed by Denmark’s doctor as having suffered cardiac arrest. He was said to be awake and stable in hospital and issued a statement on Monday to thank those who looked after him.
“We learned about him after training,” Lloris said. “There was a lot of concern and stress, but we were quickly assured of his condition.
“These are pictures you don’t want to see on the pitch. I want to highlight the personality of the Danish and Finnish players and the supporters. They were able to handle the incident with dignity and solidarity.
“What happened affected the world of football. The most important thing is that Christian is in good condition.”
