Antoine Griezmann sounds off on fined Kylian Mbappe

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann was the player designated to attend the France press conference ahead of their clash with Poland in the Round of 16.

The last time France held a conference, after the game against Denmark in the group stage of the World Cup, Kylian Mbappe was expected to attend it and answer the media questions. The PSG forward refused to attend the press conference and was subsequently fined by FIFA.

Mbappe, who was named Man of the Match in the Group D win against Denmark, decided not to speak to the media outlets present on stage and got into trouble because of that action.

Everything happened after the Paris Saint-Germain's forward second MotM award was given to him after he had already won the one pertaining to the debut game of France against Australia.

FIFA demands that "Man of the Match winners must speak to the press afterward", which Mbappe didn't do.

Antoine Griezmann knows about Kylian Mbappe's importance for France going forward

Speaking to the media as part of the pre-game duties of the French Football Federation, Griezmann said that "Mbappe knows he is important to us."

On top of that, Griezmann reminded everyone that "every move is watched by journalists, fans, and us" when it comes to his teammate and PSG player.

"He is beyond reproach," Griezmann finished.

Asked about his partnership with Mbappe on the pitch, which in the past brought some heated arguments and rumors between and from different media members, said that they "don't have a lot of playing time together," and he reasoned that it is "complicated to work on this connection."

"I drop deep a lot to take the ball and then I try to find the forwards on attack," explained Griezmann. "I understand better what he expects, and it's (getting) easier as we play more matches together."