France manager Didier Deschamps announced the national team squad list for their upcoming UEFA Nations League encounters against Israel and Italy later this month and captain Kylian Mbappe was a surprise omission.
The Real Madrid superstar was not part of the The Blues’ camp last month either, although it was due to some fitness concerns.
This time, however, Deschamps has decided to leave the 25-year-old attacker out even though the coach confirmed that the Real Madrid summer arrival had made himself available for selection.
Deschamps’ cryptic explanation
Mbappe’s absence from the France setup last month sparked a lot of controversy, especially after the forward went on a trip to Sweden, following which an investigation was opened into a rape incident at the hotel where he was staying.
Explaining his decision to leave Mbappe out, Deschamps confirmed that the Real Madrid superstar had made himself available and that it was a call made solely by him keeping in mind the next two games for France.
“I had several discussions with him. I thought about it and I made this decision for this group of games. I think it’s better this way. I’m not going to argue,” he said.
Clarifying that the forward’s absence is not due to non-sporting reasons, Deschamps added:
“I can tell you two things: Kylian wanted to come, and it’s not the non-sporting problems that come into play as long as the presumption of innocence exists. It’s a one-off choice for this gathering, with two games ahead of us.”
On being further probed about it Deschamps refused to comment any further than stating that it was purely his decision, saying:
“That’s the way it is. It’s my decision, it’s better that way. I can understand if that’s not enough for you, but I’m not going to get into arguments that lead to interpretations. I don’t want to say any more, I accept this decision.
“In absolute terms, I can take it until 1:59 pm. The deadline is when I appear before you. It doesn’t really matter. The main thing is that when I’m here, the decision has been made.”
When asked about the discussions he held with the Real Madrid superstar, Deschamps again refused to give anything away, as he said:
“I’ve had discussions with him, but I’m not going to go into that. You may or may not have information, but I speak directly with Kylian.
“We may not agree on certain subjects, but it’s my responsibility to make decisions. That’s the one I’ve made about this gathering. I’ll say it again: because it’s better that way.”
On being asked if this was ‘better for Mbappe or for the French team?’ he replied: “It’s better this way.”
On Mbappe’s form and captaincy
Considering that Mbappe is the captain of the France team, Deschamps was asked what this decision meant for the Frenchman’s future as the skipper. In response, the manager said:
“Today, that’s not the issue. The performances… He’s part of a team. Everyone has their own analysis of what he’s doing. As for what happens next, that’s up to you.
“I’m not going to ask myself a question that isn’t on the agenda for this November training camp. Everything in its own time.
There has been a lot of debate about whether Mbappe can play as a No. 9, a role he is struggling to fit in at Real Madrid. Giving his two cents on the matter, Deschamps said:
“He’s done it before, in Paris. With us too. He can play in different systems, and that’s always been the case. He’s scored goals before and he’ll do it again.
“He’s going through a period where he’s less effective, obviously. He’s being judged a lot on that and that’s quite logical.”
Source: RMC Sport
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