Deschamps defends Mbappé after record: "He is an iconic player"
France coach Didier Deschamps, after a 2-0 win over Senegal, praised Kylian Mbappé for becoming the all-time top scorer for the national team, while rejecting criticism about the player's selfishness.
The French national football team beat Senegal 2-0 in the World Cup, despite a passive first half. Head coach Didier Deschamps admitted the start was difficult, but called the victory great news for the team.
Kylian Mbappé played a decisive role, scoring twice in the second half and becoming France's all-time leading scorer. Deschamps said in a press conference that Mbappé could have scored four or five goals hypothetically, but two was enough.
The coach dismissed criticism that Mbappé is selfish or poor at defending. "People will criticize him anyway, but he is an iconic player. He can change the game and lead his team to victory," Deschamps said, stressing that Mbappé does a lot for the team.
France will next play Iraq on June 23, after Iraq lost to Norway.
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