Jaap Stam has criticised Raphael Varane for his reaction to suffering an injury against Chelsea.
The former Manchester United defender claims he can’t understand someone being so emotional on the pitch.
Although the Red Devils fell behind at Stamford Bridge, a stoppage time equaliser from Casemiro was enough to recuse a point for Erik ten Hag’s side. That made up for suffering a blow as Varane had to be replaced during the game due to injury.
The hamstring injury will keep Varane out of action for United until after the World Cup, but there is an understanding that he will be able to feature in Qatar for France next month.
Varane was emotional as he left the pitch because – at the back of his mind – he feared that his dream to defend the World Cup crown was over.
However, Stam doesn’t get why Varane was so upset.
“He was very emotional,” the Dutchman told Optus Sport. “The game played on when he fell down and he just kept lying on the pitch basically and after, when he stood up, he was emotional. It looked like he had a problem with his hamstring or whatever but we don’t know yet.
“I don’t know what to say about this, he probably thinks he’s out of the World Cup but I can’t understand being so emotional on the pitch to be honest.
“It’s not only from a centre half’s point of view, you try to imagine yourself in the situation and why is he so emotional and why he is acting like that. There are other things that are worse than this, is what I think.”
In one way, it shows where a lot of players are at the moment. They are focused on the World Cup and representing their country at a time they need to have their minds set on winning football matches for their clubs.
Another reason why it makes no sense to stage a World Cup midway during the domestic season.
