Ousmane Dembele (foto: Getty Images)
Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli analyzed France's performance at Euro 2024 and concluded that Les Bleus do not play as a cohesive team.
France disappointed at Euro 2024 this year. Although they reached the semifinals, their performance in Germany did not meet the expectations for one of the most star-studded squads in the world. France was eliminated by Spain, who went on to win the tournament and played the most attractive football. Jorge Sampaoli is not surprised. To him, France is not a real team.
"France has a brilliant squad, but they have to run a lot, and when the opponent limits their space, they can't find the right paths to goal. They don't play enough combinational football, and as a result, the team relies on a strong defense and a good day for their attackers. I don't like it."
The Argentine strategist specifically criticized star forwards Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, the latter of whom he finds particularly troubling. Sampaoli views the Paris Saint-Germain player as someone who doesn't integrate well with his teammates. He has similar thoughts about Mbappe, who left PSG this year to play for Real Madrid.
"Dembele plays like an autist, he will start and finish the play himself. He doesn't know how to involve his teammates and allow them to shine."