Kylian Mbappe may be hailed as one of the world’s finest footballers and captain of the French national team, but Didier Deschamps has made it clear that he calls the shots.

The French coach’s decision to leave Mbappe out of the squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches has raised some eyebrows, especially as the player has returned to full fitness.

The Controversy Surrounding Mbappe’s Recent Form

Mbappe’s start at Real Madrid hasn’t exactly gone as smoothly as expected.

A string of indifferent performances, paired with the media storm surrounding a rape allegation following his trip to Sweden, has overshadowed his career lately.

While the allegations have been dismissed as “slanderous” by Mbappe and his legal team, the timing of the incident, coupled with his decision to skip an earlier international call-up, has left a cloud hanging over his return to the national team.

Deschamps Explains His Decision

In an announcement, Deschamps explained that he and Mbappe had several discussions leading up to this decision.

The coach emphasized that the choice was unrelated to the legal issues surrounding Mbappe and clarified that the exclusion was a one-time decision for this specific international break.

Deschamps also mentioned that he had spoken to Mbappe on several occasions, but ultimately, it was a tactical choice made to protect the player.

Though the decision might appear to be a surprise, Deschamps has always prioritized the health and well-being of his players, especially when it comes to navigating external pressures.

A Tense Relationship?

Despite their conversations, there seems to be some tension between Mbappe and Deschamps.

The coach acknowledged that they don’t always agree, but these open dialogues are essential for maintaining a strong team dynamic.

Deschamps values these discussions, not only about football but also beyond the pitch, to ensure a healthy team atmosphere.

Although it’s unclear whether Mbappe’s absence will have any long-term effects on their relationship, it’s evident that Deschamps is putting the overall welfare of the team ahead of any individual concerns.

Is Mbappe’s Influence in the Dressing Room Negative?

Given Mbappe’s incredible contributions to France over the years, it’s hard to consider him a disruptive influence in the dressing room.

However, Deschamps may be looking at a broader team dynamic.

Having Mbappe’s spotlight shining so brightly could overshadow other players and the collective effort of the squad.

As for the legal situation, prosecutors in Sweden have stated that no new information will be released for now.

The case remains surrounded by legal uncertainty, but no concrete evidence has connected Mbappe to any wrongdoing.

Mbappe’s Recent Form and Real Madrid

While some might argue that Mbappe’s recent form—six goals and an assist in ten La Liga matches—doesn’t justify his exclusion from the national team, the truth is, these numbers are far from disastrous. He’s playing in one of the most scrutinized football environments in the world, and any adjustment period is to be expected. There’s no doubt that Deschamps recognizes Mbappe’s abilities, which have already been showcased on the international stage.

The Bigger Picture: Team First

Deschamps has always been about the bigger picture, emphasizing the strength of the team over any single player.

His consistent choices, such as playing Antoine Griezmann in a central midfield role, show his willingness to experiment for the greater good.

Perhaps there’s no need for Mbappe to prove anything more to the coach; his absence could be seen as an opportunity for other players to step up and make their case for future inclusion.

The Future of Mbappe’s National Team Role

While Mbappe’s exclusion might feel like a temporary setback, it’s unlikely to affect his long-term future with Les Bleus.

Deschamps made it clear that this is a “one-off” decision, so Mbappe is expected to return when the next international window opens.

But the bigger question remains: will he continue as captain when he does come back?

Deschamps was hesitant to provide a definitive answer to this, leaving the door open for further discussions down the line.

For now, the focus remains on the present squad, and Mbappe will have to wait for his turn to rejoin the team.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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