Mbappe Must Adapt to Wearing Protective Mask for Months, Says Deschamps
Kylian Mbappe needs to get used to wearing a protective mask on his broken nose, potentially for a few months, according to France manager Didier Deschamps. Despite his prolific scoring record, the incoming Real Madrid striker has struggled to find the net at Euro 2024, with his only goal being a penalty against Poland.
Deschamps, who has experimented with different tactical approaches to boost his team’s offensive performance, believes that Mbappe’s adjustment to the mask is crucial. The 25-year-old forward, who has scored 48 goals in 82 appearances for France and 256 goals in 308 appearances for Paris St-Germain, has shown his usual quick movement but has missed key scoring opportunities against Belgium.
“Sweating can still bother him. It can get in the eyes. But it’s complicated for his vision, it’s 10ths of a second, but it’s important,” Deschamps explained. “He’s going to have to get used to it because he might wear it for a few weeks or even a few months.”
France is counting on Mbappe to adapt swiftly to ensure they are fully prepared for the quarter-finals.