French team: “Kylian has no life, it must be hard”, Konaté speaks about the controversial absence of Mbappé

Asked about the international context surrounding the Nations League meeting between the France team and Israel this Thursday, the Liverpool defender said he was not “insensitive” to what is happening in the Middle East. He evoked “abominable” images.

Situation in Israel, overloaded schedule, absence of Kylian Mbappé… Ibrahima Konaté did not avoid any subject in front of the media. All with a big smile.

“It’s a new era, especially with the announcement of Griezmann’s departure, it’s shaking the hearts of the French. It’s part of football. It’s up to us to adapt to this and do better. there was Griezmann but we must not forget those who left before, Giroud, Varane, Lloris, Mandanda… I had the chance to spend time with all these beautiful people. It’s up to us to be new leaders and take advantage of the present moment. »

Before facing Israel, Ibrahima Konaté returned to the serious situation in the Middle East. “What we see on social media is abominable. The people I worry about are young people. If a child comes across videos of people being beheaded… Imagine the impact that could have. Fighting terrorism is one thing. Civilians being killed en masse is another. This hurts me. The most important thing, what I want, and I speak about it on behalf of everyone, is peace in the world. »

“If tomorrow there is a movement for a better understanding of what we are experiencing, I will be part of it,” warned Ibrahima Konaté, once again denouncing the overly busy schedule.

“It’s a subject. We need to talk about it. Liverpool, there are no discussions. There is no pressure from the club around the selection. We hear that some clubs prefer players to stay. You have to understand the clubs. The players are employees of the club. It’s also up to the players to ask themselves the question: how am I going to last the whole season? »

“It’s on par with everything that’s happening around him. Kylian raises awareness all around him as soon as he arrives in a place. I think it’s not an easy thing to live with. He is still young. He manages to hold on. I would love to discuss it with him. He won everything very young. Everything that revolves around him… He has no life. It must be hard. I was not aware that he had been whistled in Lille. I don’t understand why. »

“The fact of not having played during the Euro was a challenge. I’m going to keep it positive. I learned a lot, especially the relationship between player and coach. There are a lot of deadlines with the Nations League and the 2026 World Cup. (…) If I had played during this Euro, I could have had a say in the captaincy. Early in the competition, I understood what my fate was. My role was to be with the team and to be there every day. I gave my best at that moment without playing. Now I’m here to achieve other goals. »

Ibrahima Konaté returned to Antoine Griezmann’s surprise international retirement. “What happened saddens me. A leader like him was an example. He too would have wanted the armband. I can’t understand some people saying he was sad. He called Kylian captain in front of everyone. With everything he did for France, he deserved a magnificent farewell. I would have preferred to know this during the last gathering to give him a proper farewell. I didn’t even comment on his social media because I was too surprised. »

The Liverpool defender painted the perfect profile of a leader of the blues, present “especially in bad times”. “I have two or three names that come to mind. Mike, me, Jules and Aurélien,” he said.

Ibrahima Konaté returned to his remarkable arrival at Clairefontaine this Monday: “It’s funny and quite amusing. I know that with Jules, he showed some very beautiful pieces. I’m here to compete with him. We’re here to wage war,” he said, laughing. It’s just outfits. We like to wear cool pieces. We do it for us and not for people. »

Christopher Nkunku has finished with the questions from journalists where there was a lot of talk about rhythm and many matches. “At some point, we will have to ask ourselves the right questions to preserve the health of the players,” he insisted. It is now Ibrahima Konaté’s turn to appear before the press.

The French striker does not want to spread out in his favorite position and prefers to play. “The place I feel best is close enough to the goal to feel the space and the danger. To come back with the Blues, I will adapt to what the coach asks of me. Never mind. »

Back in the French team after a year of absence, Christopher Nkunku is pleased to have “the confidence” of Didier Deschamps. “I have the confidence of the coach who knows me well. I came back in blue every time. The important thing now is to stay there and perform. Today, I am reassured. I have come from a long, long way away. The injuries are behind me. The goal is to stay healthy. »

On the future captain of the Blues: “We didn’t bring up the subject. We arrived yesterday. There was a good atmosphere. We know the captain, it’s Kylian. Now he’s not here. It is a decision of the coach to give the captaincy to another player. »

Questioned by his repeated injuries and his long absence in blue: “I went through difficult stages. It was the first time I had been injured for so long. These are adventures that make you stronger. I learned about my body, my patience, and my resilience. I am psychologically stronger. »

Christophe Nkunku is the first to appear in front of the press. “I am very happy to return to the French team after more than a year of absence. Antoine Griezmann left an immense legacy. I’m not trying to replace him, but to make my contribution. »

Ibrahima Konaté and Christopher Nkunku should be questioned about the absence of Kylian Mbappé, who remained in Madrid.

The Liverpool French defender made a remarkable entrance to Clairefontaine this Monday with a style that was unusual to say the least… His appearance at the press conference should be a bit more sober.

Coming to digitally replace Antoine Griezmann, newly retired international, Christopher Nkunku makes his return to the France team, after his last selection against Greece in June 2023 (1-0). The Chelsea player has had a good start to the season and has scored seven goals in ten games with the Blues.

Welcome to our site to follow the French team’s first press conference live.

• Christopher Nkunku and Ibrahima Konaté were present this Wednesday at a press conference from 11:30 a.m.
• The Chelsea striker makes his return to the French team more than a year after his last selection.
• Didier Deschamps and his players are preparing two Nations League matches: the first against Israel in Budapest on Thursday October 10 (8:45 p.m.) and the second against Belgium in Brussels on Monday October 14 (8:45 p.m.).
• They will play these two matches without Kylian Mbappé, absent from the selection because uncertain after an injury contracted with Real Madrid, but finally starting last Saturday.
• Having retired internationally for a week, Antoine Griezmann is absent from this gathering.