Kylian Mbappe, despite being eager to represent his country, has been excluded from France’s squad for their upcoming Nations League matches against Israel and Italy.
This decision, made by coach Didier Deschamps, has sparked conversation, especially as it comes after Mbappe’s recent form at club level. Deschamps, however, has clarified that the omission is a result of his strategic choice and is not influenced by injury or off-field issues.
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Deschamps’ ‘One-Off Decision’
Didier Deschamps, the France national team manager, emphasized that the decision to leave Mbappe out of the squad was a “one-off” choice. During a press conference on Thursday, Deschamps confirmed that Mbappe had expressed his desire to join the team, but after careful consideration, the coach opted not to include him.
Deschamps explained, “It’s my responsibility to make decisions. I think it’s better that way,” signaling that the exclusion was not based on any long-term or personal reasons but rather a decision for this specific international window. The France coach also made it clear that Mbappe’s omission was not a result of injury. While Mbappe had previously missed two France games last month due to precautionary reasons, there is no official confirmation that he is currently injured.
The Allegations and Mbappe’s Response
Mbappe’s exclusion comes amid controversy surrounding a Swedish newspaper’s accusations. The publication claimed that Mbappe had made a controversial trip during the last international break. These allegations were strongly denied by the player himself, who labeled them as “fake news,” with his representatives calling the reports “totally false and irresponsible.”
Deschamps responded calmly to the controversy, stating, “I’m not going to argue. What I can tell you are these two things; one, that Kylian wanted to come. And two, it’s not the extra sporting problems that come into play since the presumption of innocence exists and must exist.” This clear statement highlights that the issue had no bearing on his decision to leave Mbappe out of the squad.
Mbappe’s Form at Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe’s recent performances for Real Madrid have also been a topic of scrutiny. Since his summer move from Paris Saint-Germain to the Spanish giants, Mbappe has shown impressive form, scoring eight goals in 15 appearances. However, his recent performances, particularly in high-profile fixtures, have drawn criticism. The French forward has netted only once in his last six matches, a statistic that has not gone unnoticed by pundits and fans alike.
This drop in form was notably evident during Real Madrid’s 3-1 defeat to AC Milan in the Champions League, where Mbappe was part of the losing side. Furthermore, the player’s usual role on the left of the attack has been under question, as Vinicius Jr. has been deployed in the same position, further complicating Mbappe’s impact on the pitch.
Thierry Henry’s Critique
Thierry Henry, a former France star and football icon, has voiced his concerns about Mbappe’s current form. Speaking to the media this week, Henry was blunt in his assessment, stating that the French forward must do “way more” to justify his place in the starting lineup for both club and country.
Henry’s comments come amid pressure on Mbappe to regain his scintillating form, particularly after the shock 4-0 loss to Barcelona, which has seen Real Madrid fall nine points behind their arch-rivals in La Liga.
No Long-Term Implications for Mbappe
While this exclusion may have raised some eyebrows, Deschamps made it clear that this is a temporary situation. “It’s a one-off choice for this gathering,” he said, underlining that Mbappe’s future with the national team remains secure. This suggests that, while Mbappe’s omission for the upcoming fixtures is a result of Deschamps’ strategic decision, it is not indicative of any long-term exclusion from Les Bleus.
Mbappe, 25, has become one of the most prominent players in world football, with his performances for both club and country often in the spotlight. His exclusion from this international break will certainly be a point of discussion, but as Deschamps noted, this is a decision for this particular time, and the forward will likely return to the fold soon.
Kylian Mbappe’s absence from France’s squad for the Nations League matches is a surprising development, especially considering the player’s desire to represent his country. However, Didier Deschamps has been clear that this is a “one-off” decision based on his tactical assessment. The ongoing scrutiny over Mbappe’s performances for Real Madrid and the off-field allegations may add layers to the situation, but it is evident that the France coach’s primary focus is on what is best for the team in the immediate future. As Mbappe looks to regain his best form, both for his club and country, all eyes will be on how he responds to the challenges ahead.
Why was Mbappe left out of the France squad?
Deschamps made a “one-off decision” despite Mbappe wanting to join.
Is Mbappe injured?
No, injury is not the reason for his exclusion.
Did allegations affect Mbappe’s omission?
No, the decision was unrelated to the false allegations.
What did Thierry Henry say about Mbappe?
Henry said Mbappe needs to do “way more” after recent poor performances.
