As reported by AS, Kylian Mbappé’s absence from the French national team for a second consecutive time has sparked intense debate about his commitment to the squad and raised questions about ongoing legal issues. French coach Didier Deschamps made the surprising decision to exclude the Real Madrid star, which has reignited speculation around the player’s off-field troubles.
Deschamps Emphasizes Team Unity
In a press conference following the announcement, Deschamps emphasized that the decision was purely technical, denying any disciplinary motives. He defended his choice, saying: “I am not here for the players to tell me how great I am.” This remark underscored his resolve to maintain control over team selection, reinforcing his authority within the squad.
The situation is further complicated by Mbappé’s recent off-field incidents. Reports from the Swedish press indicate that the star forward is under investigation for an alleged incident during a trip to Stockholm in October, when he was linked to a potential legal case involving an alleged rape at a hotel. Although Mbappé’s involvement remains unconfirmed, the Swedish prosecutor’s office mentioned the case in mid-October, and Deschamps may have been cautious of the legal uncertainties surrounding the player.
Strained Relations with Deschamps
Tensions between Mbappé and Deschamps have been brewing for months. In September, Mbappé reportedly requested to skip national team duties for the UEFA Nations League to rest and recover from an injury sustained during a match against Alavés. Despite this, he appeared in a Real Madrid league game shortly after being left out of the national squad, raising questions about his true intentions. The inconsistency frustrated Deschamps, who had initially agreed to let him rest, only to see him back in action at the club level.
Impact on Team Dynamics
Mbappé’s absence could also be tied to his strained relations with teammates and the overall disruption caused by his off-field issues. During the Nations League match against Italy, he reportedly clashed with goalkeeper Mike Maignan and privately questioned Deschamps’ tactical strategies. These incidents have painted a picture of a player struggling to balance his responsibilities to both club and country.
French sports daily L’Équipe suggests that Deschamps was aware of the potential media frenzy that Mbappé’s legal issues might create during the team’s upcoming fixtures. Given the player’s high profile, his involvement would have shifted focus away from the team’s preparations and goals. “It’s not about off-field problems, but the presumption of innocence must exist,” Deschamps stated, clarifying that the decision was not influenced by the legal allegations directly.
Divided Reactions in France
The reaction to Mbappé’s exclusion has been mixed. French football pundit Daniel Riolo described Deschamps’ decision as “good and fair,” emphasizing that the coach’s move was necessary to maintain his credibility. “It’s a sanction, a punishment,” Riolo remarked. He pointed out that Mbappé’s inconsistent behavior in the past had made Deschamps look foolish, especially when the coach publicly claimed the player was injured, only for him to start a match for Real Madrid shortly after.
Former French international Jérôme Rothen also criticized Mbappé’s conduct, stating: “Mbappé is at the root of all these issues. Why should we protect him?” Rothen argued that the trust between Mbappé and Deschamps has been broken, suggesting that the captaincy may need to be reconsidered in the future.
Louisa Necib, a former player and football analyst, shared her perspective, noting, “I think he has frustrated the entire Real Madrid team. Maybe he realizes now that joining Real Madrid wasn’t the best decision at the time.”
What’s Next for Mbappé?
Deschamps hinted that Mbappé’s exclusion from the current squad is temporary, and the forward is expected to return once the situation stabilizes. “In March, when the storm has passed and the player regains his form with Real Madrid, everything will return to normal,” suggested Deschamps, hinting at a potential recall for the final phase of the Nations League.
The French football community remains divided over the decision, with many supporting Deschamps’ firm stance on discipline, while others believe the exclusion could have long-term implications for Mbappé’s relationship with the national team.
This high-profile incident has left fans and pundits eagerly awaiting Mbappé’s next move, both on and off the field, as the French national team navigates the turbulent waters of this controversy. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether Mbappé can mend his fractured ties with Deschamps and restore his status as the star of the French squad.
