Didier Deschamps’ decision not to select Kylian Mbappé for the French team’s matches in November caused a strong reaction in Spain. In a context of mixed performances at Real Madrid, the absence of the Blues star arouses incomprehension and criticism.
Captain Kylian Mbappé, already absent last month, was not called up to the France team for the Nations League matches against Israel (November 14) and Italy (November 17) in group A2, that of the Belgium, coach Didier Deschamps announced on Thursday. An announcement that is difficult to understand in the Spanish media, always on the lookout for the slightest move from the Frenchman.
On the Mega channel, the popular show The Chiringuito expressed his astonishment at the non-selection of Mbappé. One journalist even suggested that “Kylian Mbappé is afraid of showing his current level with France” and that “Didier Deschamps protects him”. This comment reflects the ambient skepticism in Spain, where the choice of Deschamps is considered surprising and mysterious.
Explanations deemed “vague and imprecise”
In the Madrid newspaper ASeditorialist Alfredo Relaño deplores a “serious setback for Mbappé”emphasizing that he went from captain to absentee in a difficult context for Real Madrid. Marco Ruiz, another AS journalist, criticizes Deschamps’ communication, calling it “vague and unnecessarily enigmatic”. According to him, the coach should have clarified the reasons for this sidelining or recognized that Mbappé is affected by the recent controversy surrounding his performances.
While the Madrid press gives wide coverage to this affair, the Catalan media remains more discreet. If Sports World only briefly mentions this non-selection, Sport takes the opportunity to underline French disenchantment with the star: “As far as France, they are tired of Mbappé”.
real madrid Kylian Mbappé France didier deschamps
Belgium
