DUSSELDORF, GERMANY - JUNE 17: Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates with teammate Ousmane Dembele after Maximilian Woeber of Austria (not pictured) concedes an own goal after deflecting a cross into his own net during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Austria and France at Düsseldorf Arena on June 17, 2024 in Dusseldorf, Germany. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain and France national team star Ousmane Dembélé has on Thursday responded to suggestions that he no longer sees eye to eye with Real Madrid frontman Kylian Mbappé.
Attackers Mbappé and Dembélé are of course considered two of the very first names on the French team sheet, and played starring respective roles en route to Les Bleus’ semi-final finish at this summer’s World Cup.
With the latter now considered a leader at club level, having altered his attitude on the pitch thanks to the teachings of Luis Enrique, though, it has been murmured that Dembélé wants more from Mbappé when it comes to off-ball work.
Some have pointed towards growing distance between the pair on a personal level as a result.
Speaking during an exchange with the media on Thursday, the subject of his rapport with his compatriot and attacking partner-in-crime was therefore put to Dembélé himself.
And the reigning Ballon d’Or holder made use of the opportunity to assure:
“Problems with Kylian Mbappé? There is nothing going on. I don’t comment on these stories. They are just little wars on social media. I’m 29 years old; I don’t have time for that.”
Conor Laird – GSFN