Brazil boss Tite hits back at Kylian Mbappe with brutal 'Azerbaijan' jibe ahead of the World Cup

Brazil head coach Tite has hit back at Kylian Mbappe after the France star claimed the South American nations do not have the same level of competition as European teams.

Brazil are the bookies' favourites to win the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, with defending champions France a close second.

France's victory at the 2018 World Cup in Russia was the fourth consecutive time that a European nation had won the most coveted trophy in football, following victories for Germany (2014), Spain (2010) and Italy (2006).

Brazil were the last non-European team to win the World Cup back in 2002 but have reached the semi-finals just once since then.

Earlier this year, Mbappe provided a potential reason for why Europe has dominated the World Cup in the last two decades.

"Argentina and Brazil don't have that level of competition in South America, the football is not as developed as in Europe, that is why most recent World Cup winners have been Europeans," he said.

Mbappe won the World Cup with France four years ago (Image: Alamy)

Brazil boss Tite has now hit back at the Paris Saint-Germain forward, telling ESPN: "Maybe [Mbappe] is talking about these Nations League clashes or European friendlies, but not World Cup qualifiers.

"We don't have, with all due respect, Azerbaijan to play. We don't have anyone that gives you a break.

"The qualifiers here have a much higher degree of difficulty than the group stage [of European qualifying]."

European teams have won the last four World Cups (Image: Alamy)

Mbappe's comments have also attracted criticism from Argentina international Lautaro Martinez.

"I saw what [Mbappe] said, but Argentina and Brazil have players of great quality and talent," said the Inter Milan forward.

"Brazil, just like us, has most of its players in Europe. I thought it was an unfair comment."

Tite has hit back at Mbappe's comments (Image: Alamy)

Argentina are third-favourites behind Brazil and France to win the World Cup, which gets underway on November 20.

England, meanwhile, are fourth favourites to win the tournament for the first time since 1966.

Is Mbappe right about South American teams? Let us know your thoughts.

Topics: Brazil, France, Football, Kylian Mbappe, Paris Saint-Germain, Football World Cup

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan