Kylian Mbappe has revealed the omission of Paul Pogba from France’s Euro 2024 squad has forced him to change his playing style.
Didier Deschamps’ side entered the tournament ranked among the favourites, having narrowly missed out on back-to-back World Cup triumphs with defeat to Argentina in 2022.
However, Les Bleus have yet to be at their all-conquering best in Germany, with a win against Austria followed by successive draws against the Netherlands and Poland seeing them finish second in Group D.
A round of 16 win over Belgium again failed to inspire confidence and France will look to book their place in the semi-finals when they take on Portugal at the Volksparkstadion.
After suffering a broken nose in France’s opener, Mbappe has netted just once so far in Germany and he claimed not having Pogba in the team has forced him to adapt.
Kylian Mbappe has detailed how he has been forced to ‘adapt’ with Paul Pogba at Euro 2024
Superstar forward has so far netted just once in France’s run to the quarter-finals in Germany
Mbappe revealed that Paul Pogba’s absence has forced him to refrain from making runs in behind the defence
The former Manchester United midfielder played every minute of France’s run through the knockout stages in Russia and had remained a consistent presence in Deschamps’ team prior to the 2022 World Cup.
However, a succession of injuries curtailed his return to Italy before a four-year doping ban in February for failing a drugs test effectively put an end to his international career.
At 31, Pogba would not be able to return to the pitch until he is almost 35, unless he is able to successfully appeal the ruling.
Despite being banned from playing football, Pogba was in attendance for France’s clash with Belgium earlier this week.
The former Juventus star was pictured joining in France’s celebrations after the game and subsequently insisted he is determined on returning to action.
‘If you don’t see a video where I say that I am stopping with football it’s because I am still a football player,’ Pogba told Sky Sports Italy.
‘I am still here, still positive, I have an opportunity to fight what in my view is an injustice.
The pair previously starred together as Didier Deschamps’ side won the World Cup in 2018
Pogba’s international career looks to have come to an end after he was handed a four-year doping ban in February
The 31-year-old watched on as France defeated Belgium on Monday and later joined his former teammates in the celebrations
‘We’ll see, things will go better. I don’t know if you saw the whole interview, but they only put up a part of it were I hadn’t even finished speaking yet. Pogba is not finished, Pogba is here and until you see me say I’m finished, don’t worry.
‘I still feel like a player, I am training and in these moments I must only be positive. I am spending a lot of time with my family, seeing my kids grow up. I am not doing what I love, which is football, but I am really eager to get back.
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Source: New York Post
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Source: The Wall Street Journal
