Kylian Mbappe’s controversial comments didn’t go well in South America.
What was Tite’s response to Kylian Mbappe’s statement?
Brazil head coach Tite has rebuffed the French superstar’s claim that South American teams have an easier time qualifying for the World Cup than their European counterparts. Europe has dominated the most prestigious international football tournament in recent memory, producing the last four winners. The South American side has not won since 2002, when Brazil defeated Germany in the final. Argentina came closest to completing this streak in 2014, falling to Germany with the final hurdle.
Back in May, Kylian, who lifted the World Cup with France four years ago, gave an explanation why the South American sides were struggling: “Argentina and Brazil don’t have that level of competition in South America, football is not as developed as in Europe, which is why Europeans were the most recent World Cup winners.”
Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe has already been criticized by Inter Milan and Argentina international Lautaro Martinez for his comments, and now the Brazil manager has become the latest football figure to question his views. Argentine footballer in defense of CONMEBOL World Cup qualification said that maybe Kylian is talking about these Nations League clashes or European friendlies, but not the World Cup qualifiers.
Brazil manager added that they do not have, with all due respect, Azerbaijan to play. They don’t have anyone to give you a break. According to Tite, the qualifiers here have a much higher degree of difficulty than the group stage of the European qualifiers.
A little about the topic
Brazil hasn’t won the World Cup in 20 years, but that hasn’t stopped them from being favorites for this winter tournament. However, they will face tough competition from a number of strong European teams. France’s winners and Euro 2020 finalists are expected to be England, as well as Spain and Germany. Argentina is also mentioned as potential winners, with Qatar 2022 likely to be Messi’s final World Cup.