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Didier Deschamps has Kylian Mbappe's back! France boss mocks PSG manager Luis Enrique following criticism of Les Bleus captain

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  • France boss Deschamps defends Mbappe
  • Striker scored hat-trick in historic win
  • Luis Enrique had criticised PSG striker
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Mbappe scored a hat-trick - including his 300th career goal - as France beat Gibraltar 14-0 on Saturday, the biggest margin of victory in European Championship qualifying history. The match came just days after Mbappe's club manager, Enrique, criticised the Paris Saint-Germain striker's overall contribution to his team. It's fair to say that France boss Deschamps didn't agree.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Mbappe has enjoyed a predictably excellent start to the season, scoring 15 goals in 15 games in all competitions. However, though PSG are top of Ligue 1, the French champions have not always convinced during the early months of Enrique's tenure. The Spanish coach wants more from his stars, especially Mbappe.

  • WHAT DESCHAMPS SAID

    When asked by RMC about Mbappe's performance after the historic victory, Deschamps laughed in reference to Enrique's comments and said: "I expect more from him. In his role as captain, he is perfect. He is an extraordinary player. Everything. He can bring in serenity to the group, not only on the field."

  • WHAT DID LUIS ENRIQUE SAY?

    After Mbappe scored a hat-trick in PSG's 3-0 win against Reims last weekend, Enrique said: "I am not very happy with Kylian [Mbappe] today. Why? Because managers are so strange. About goals, I don’t have to say anything, but I think he can help the team more in a different way. I told that to him first (before you) because it’s not a private conversation. We think Kylian is one of the best players in the world. No doubt. But we need more and we want him doing more things."

  • Kylian Mbappe France Gibraltar 18112023Getty

    WHAT NEXT FOR KYLIAN MBAPPE?

    Mbappe will likely feature in France's final Euro 2024 qualifier against Greece on Tuesday. While the 24-year-old France captain doesn't need to prove anything to his national team coach, it appears he has work to do to completely win over his club manager.