France captain Kylian Mbappe has vowed to increase his defensive efforts as the two-time world champions prepare to get their World Cup campaign under way against Senegal on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old Real Madrid striker has faced scrutiny over both his performances and leadership for club and country, with international team-mate Ousmane Dembele publicly backing him, saying that the criticism had gone “too far”.
Speaking to French newspaper La Parisien, Mbappe faced questions from team-mates and friends, and when teased about his defensive ability by younger brother Ethan, who plays for Ligue 1 side Lille, he acknowledged that he has work to do.
“I need to take the extra step [with my defensive work] because it’s something important for the team and I have to do it,” he said.
“It will start this time because we want to win, and to win, I’m ready to do whatever because I want to win at all costs.”
