The return of Karim Benzema to the French national team after almost six years of absence it has opened an ocean of expectations among fans, journalists and the French players themselves. Except for one: Olivier Giroud. The Real Madrid center forward has earned on his own merits to excite the fans of the world champion, since his figure brings together most of the virtues that the Chelsea substitute striker possesses. In addition, he has developed a special chemistry with the most decisive footballer of the team led by Didier Deschamps, Kylian Mbappé. But Giroud, key in the French victory in the 18 ‘World Cup despite not scoring a single goal In all the games he played at the tip of the spear, his title in France has been threatened. And is not for less.
Since the concentration for the Eurocup began, the samples of complicity between Mbappé and Benzema have been constant. What has caused the white ‘9’ to be the best possible ambassador to try to convince the PSG winger to sign for the capital club and, incidentally, Giroud’s jealousy. Less than a week ago, after the friendly match against Bulgaria, the Chelsea striker raised his voice for the first time. “They say I’m discreet, but it’s because sometimes I ask for the balls and they don’t reach me. I try to attract the attention of my colleagues and provide solutions in the area. The assists from Ben Yedder and Pavard allowed me to score a double, but I could have scored more goals if we had been more efficient, “snapped Giroud.
The statements were not long in reaching the ears of Deschamps, the great peacemaker of France after that insurrection that led the French team in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and that ended the team out of the group stage and with the entire squad against the coach, Raymond Domenech. “If the balls always reach those who ask for the ball … It’s always the same. It may be true what Giroud says. In some situations, it is the pass that does not arrive. We must not target Mbappé or anyone. Olivier does not have the same profile as Mbappé. It has a more axial pivoting position, and in the first half with Benzema the three of them could change positions and exchange zones. ”
Mbappé has connected with Benzema
Mbappé felt directly challenged after the words of Giroud and decided to go to the step in the previous one against Germany, just before the debut: “It did not bother me what he said, it was more to do it publicly. In the dressing room if I have something to say to someone I will say it and he will stay in the dressing room, I have no problem. I congratulated him on that goal and he didn’t say anything to me. What bothered me is that I found out from the press“. The desired French attacker ended the episode, not before without sending a warning to Chelsea:” It affected me, but we are just a few hours away from playing a game against Germany. If he receives fewer balls it is because heu style of play is more static than Benzema’s“.
Albert ortega
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As their relationship worsens, Benzema’s friendship with Mbappé grows as the days go by. The white striker has never stopped throwing flowers at Kylian in the different interviews he has given to date. “I know Kylian. He is already one of the best despite being 22 years old. I really enjoy playing with him because you can make a difference at any time. We haven’t played much together, but great players don’t need to, “he explained a couple of days ago. en ‘Telefoot’.
An untimely injury against Bulgaria has prevented Benzema from sharing more training sessions with those who, in theory, should form France’s starting forward at this European Championship, although the forward himself has already announced that will be in perfect condition to play the debut against Germany if so considered by the technician. However, the Madrid striker has not wasted time, he has studied his attacking buddies: “I know how Antoine Griezmann and Mbappé play. When you respect the game, everything is easier even if we have played two games and trained about 15 times together. Antoine prefers to ask for the ball at the foot and Kylian, in depth. I try to wait for the right moment, read the play and be in the middle, “he said on ‘Telefoot’.
The tension between Giroud and Benzema has been going on for a long time. Specifically when the white striker stated on Instagram: “We cannot confuse a Formula 1 with a kart. I am kind to him, but I am Formula 1. “The Chelsea attacker did not bite his tongue on ‘Beefoot’ and pointed to the big spot in Benzema’s career, his international triumphs:” That I am a kart ? A world champion kart. “Given the repercussion of his words, the representative of Benzema (Karim Djaziri) blamed the French sports daily ‘L’Equipe’ for elevating the joke to the category of mockery. And Benzema had to reappear to clarify his statements: “If you compare me with Ronaldo, the Brazilian, he is a Formula 1 and I am a kart.”
Deschamps has always tried to avoid trouble, although the entanglement between Valbuena and Benzema over an alleged extortion case, whose trial will be held next October, splashed the national team. The forgiveness of the federation and the coach himself together with the coach’s call made Benzema return to Clairefontaine, but the sparks have returned despite his repeated attempts to have a calm concentration.
If Al-Khealïfi threatened Mbappé with never “selling” Mbappé and assuring that “he will never leave PSG for free”, Kylian publicly wondered if the Parisian club was “the best place” for him and admitted “not having the answer yet”. And meanwhile, the former Real Madrid coach, José Mourinho, nurtured that relationship between the Real Madrid star and that of the French club in an interview with ‘The Sun’: “Karim will get the best of Mbappé as he did in Madrid with Cristiano Ronaldo. Like Harry Kane with Son. Kane has more killer instincts than Benzema, but Karim is incredible. He can do something great with Griezmann and Mbappé. “In addition, the Portuguese coach added that” Cristiano was in love with him at Real Madrid. It is the best compliment you can give him. “The ball will dictate judgment.
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