The Blues coach responded to journalists this Wednesday, in Budapest, on the eve of Israel-France, a match counting for the third day of the League of Nations.
The Blues’ infirmary point: “Marcus (Thuram) is going to do a separate workout, because he still has some feeling in his ankle. It seems uncertain for tomorrow. Bradley (Barcola) will start again, he had some discomfort. The others will be there.”
Start of unease between Mbappé and the French public: “Everyone is free to have their own interpretation and their own feelings. Kylian crystallizes a lot of things, even when he’s not there because you ask me questions about him. On the certainty that Kylian is attached to the France team, yes. That it didn’t go well in September, when he wasn’t in the best situation, yes. You are free to have debates or controversies. We cannot say that there is the most serene environment possible, it is not ideal, especially since it is a rejuvenated group. You make do with what you can interpret, and this is no offense, you don’t have all the elements. Scolded in Lille? What jersey does he come with? That of Real Madrid.
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Mbappé not selected? The decision is mine to make.
Didier Deschamps
Who made the decision not to select Mbappé: “It’s his situation at the time I make the decision, it’s me who makes it. Certainly, he played last weekend’s match, not in full, while not being 100%. Is it good for the player and the French team? I don’t think so. But the decision (on his presence) is up to me to make.”
The weight of Real Madrid on the Mbappé case: “It’s a reality (the pressure from the clubs), afterward, the players’ employers are the clubs. They have always had this power. At all times, the interest of selections and clubs can be common, but not always. Today, the fact that clubs are attentive, even reluctant, because of the calendars they have… Is this a good thing for the selections? No. I am ensuring, with the elements that I have, when I spoke to you on Thursday about the list, a situation that can evolve. The important thing is not to put the player at odds. It’s already happened that I don’t take players and they play. I am not fixed with Real Madrid. Yes, there is even more attention from the clubs.
Captain Tchouaméni’s reasons: “I chose Aurélien because I consider that he has the profile to take on this responsibility, given his experience. Even though he is still young (24 years old), he participated in the World Cup and the Euro. This captaincy should not change the player he is, it’s one more step. He is not the only one, others have leadership, Mike (Maignan), Jules (Koundé), Ibou (Konaté). He will be captain Thursday and Monday (against Belgium) we will see, and for afterwards too (in November). He will have that stain too.”
New era for the Blues: “This was already the case for the September gathering, with different data. No player was 100%. Two big matches in three days, for me it was impossible. This allowed me to have two different teams. There, in October, we have four days between the two matches. But that doesn’t mean that I’m changing course, with meetings that should help me get answers. While keeping the same objective, to be as efficient as possible. Some players will have answers and confirmations to provide. Each match brings truths.
Also readFrench team: “It’s a pride, an honor, something you dream of when you’re young,” relishes captain Tchouaméni
Randal Kolo Muani is not in the same psychological state in the French team as at PSG.
Didier Deschamps
Kolo Muani’s difficulties at PSG: “Randal has a situation that is not ideal with his club on a daily basis. I’m not going to go into what doesn’t concern me. With us, he did a lot of good or very good things, with good efficiency. Let him keep that. This situation happened with quite a few players, it did not prevent them from performing well in the French team. Afterwards it will be up to him, if he needs to think about it… It’s not ideal. He is not in the same psychological state in the French team as at PSG.
His memories of 1993 against Israel: “These are bad memories (defeat in October 1993 against Israel at the Parc des Princes, Editor’s note). My counterpart reminded me of this. I remember this match, and especially the following one against Bulgaria which prevented us from playing in the 1994 World Cup. It went better in 1998. It was a long time ago, I don’t remember the details, but it’s a painful memory. I have no doubt that it will be a good memory for Israel.”
The heavy context against Israel: “We have to ensure that this remains a football match, because it is one, but obviously the context is very tense. This is unfortunately a reality.”
Comments collected at a press conference
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