Mbappe: Not dissatisfied with staff, but hoped they would clear more water from our attacking side

According to RMC, Mbappe explained why he spoke with ground staff during France's match against Iraq.

During the FIFA World Cup match between France and Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, the area experienced thunderstorms and heavy rain, which significantly extended the halftime break. Staff began clearing the field, and during this time, Mbappe was seen speaking with the ground crew, appearing slightly displeased.

The France captain pointed to the pitch, seemingly expressing his views to the staff holding large squeegees, who were responsible for dispersing accumulated water and preventing puddles. Was it because, in the Real Madrid forward's opinion, they were working too slowly? Or was he concerned that the field clearing would take too long and another thunderstorm might prevent the match from continuing? Neither.

When asked about his conversation with the staff in the mixed zone after the match, Mbappe smiled and explained that he mainly wanted to ensure both sides of the pitch received equal attention. Mbappe said: "That wasn't dissatisfaction. It's just that there was a lot of standing water on the side we were attacking, but they spent 20 minutes clearing the side we were defending without clearing the other side. That's a disadvantage, and I wanted them to spend the same amount of time on both sides of the pitch. Or if they had to prioritize, then clear the side we were attacking and leave the other side for later (laughs). But it wasn't their fault—someone directed them to that side, and the other team wasn't ready yet."

Mbappe clearly didn't want to give any advantage to Iraq, even though the team was already trailing 1-0 at halftime. More than the staff, he criticized the organizers' inaction during the thunderstorm. Mbappe stated: "We waited two hours, and then we saw that they didn't protect the pitch, even though they should have covered it, which was frustrating. But it's done now."

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