07:26 AM
France fallout continues
Olivier Giroud’s relationship with Kylian Mbappe has been at the centre of the fallout from France’s shock exit from Euro 2020.
An interview from Giroud, the Chelsea striker, complaining about a lack of service after the pre-tournament friendly against Bulgaria three weeks ago was an initial flashpoint.
“You say that I haven’t been seen much but maybe we could have found each other better,” said Giroud.
The interview was said to be the start of a dressing room split in Didier Deschamps’ squad heading into the tournament, with tensions boiling over during the defeat to Switzerland this week when they crashed out of the competition.
French newspaper L’Equipe has also detailed other problems Deschamps faced as players were unhappy with their hotel in Budapest and had no base camp as they were not one of Uefa’s tournament hosts.
By the time they faced the Swiss, Paul Pogba was clearly seen arguing with Adrien Rabiot during the game. The families of the players were also captured clashing during the match as they watched.
“Sometimes football can be cruel… cruel and also beautiful,” wrote Pogba on Instagram. “This game brought us sadness but happiness to our opponents. That’s the beauty of football. Of course we all wished that we could have had a positive result.
“Thank you so much to all of our fans across the globe. It was beautiful to see you, to hear you, and to celebrate with you. You gave us hope and joy throughout all of our games. We will keep our heads up and we will come back stronger.”
France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris insisted the squad must stay together following the penalty shoot-out defeat. “In football, we win together and we lose together,” Lloris said.
“We’re all responsible for the elimination. It’s painful and there is no one to point the finger at. We all fought together against the opponent and there is no excuse to seek.”
