Los 40 USA
Sign in to commentAPP
spainSPAINchileCHILEcolombiaCOLOMBIAusaUSAmexicoMEXICOlatin usaLATIN USAamericaAMERICA

FRANCE

No rivalry between Mbappé and Griezmann – Deschamps

Didier Deschamps dismissed any suggestions there was a rivalry between France duo Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann.

No rivalry between Mbappé and Griezmann – Deschamps
Getty Images

France coach Didier Deschamps insisted there was no rivalry between stars Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann.

Mbappé and Griezmann helped Les Bleus win the World Cup in Russia, both scoring four goals while the former was named the tournament's Best Young Player.

Deschamps played down any suggestions there was a rivalry between the pair as his side prepare for matches against Netherlands and Uruguay.

"No, there has never been any contradiction between them or one who wants to do more than the other one," he told a news conference.

"They have been important, one after the other at a different time and also sometimes together.

"They are determining as they score goals and make a lot of goals. There is no struggle between them.

"The fact they are both here with us, but not only them because there are other players, but it's a strong power for France."

Ballon d'Or contenders

Griezmann and Mbappé are both contenders for this year's Ballon d'Or, particularly after their exploits in Russia.

Deschamps hopes 19-year-old Mbappé can continue delivering for France and said he wanted even more from the Paris Saint-Germain attacker.

"He has to keep doing what he is doing so well. I am very happy he is French. He is determining for the team, that's good for us," he said.

"I am not surprised, I just want him to stay like he is, even maybe with a bit more efficiency in front of the goal.

"He is like that anyway … he will do everything to be the same and even better."