France head coach Didier Deschamps has firmly dismissed claims that Real Madrid had pressured him into leaving Kylian Mbappe out of the national team for the upcoming Nations League matches.
In recent days, this news has stirred up some speculation regarding Mbappe’s absence. However, Deschamps was clear that the decision was entirely his.
Speaking ahead of the match against Israel, Deschamps emphasised that there was no external request from Real Madrid regarding Mbappe’s participation.
Mbappe was not fit against Villarreal
He explained that he made the decision based on the information available to him at the time, noting that the striker had played a part in last Saturday’s league match against Villarreal, despite not being fully fit.
“There was no request. The decision is mine. He played the Villarreal game without being 100 percent fit,” said Deschamps as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Deschamps further questioned whether it would benefit either the player or the French national team to involve Mbappe when he is not in top physical condition.
He underlined the fact that it is not the federations that pay the players, hinting that their priority is the player’s long-term health and performance rather than immediate results.
“Is this good for the player and for the French team? I don’t think so. It is not the federations who pay the players. It is not just the case of Real Madrid and Kylian.”
Tchouameni speaks out
Aurelien Tchouameni, who will captain France in Mbappe’s absence, also denied any influence from Real Madrid.
The midfielder insisted that there had been no pressure from the club. He explained that there are legitimate physical concerns regarding Mbappe’s condition and that the decision to rest him was made in light of this.
Tchouameni admitted that he had spoken with Mbappe but mentioned that their conversation did not focus on the captaincy.
“I have spoken about it with Kylian and with Ferland (Mendy) and it has never happened. There are physical problems, as is the case with Kylian. There is no pressure from the club,” he said.