“I had several exchanges with him. I thought about it and made this decision at this gathering. Because I think it’s better that way. I’m not going to argue. What I can tell you is that Kylian Mbappé wanted to come. And secondly, it is not the extra-sporting problems which come into account from the moment the presumption of innocence exists. It’s a timely choice for this gathering with the two matches that await us”. With these words, Didier Deschamps justified the absence of Kylian Mbappé from his list.
The Bondynois, who is going through a complicated time at Real Madrid, will therefore not have the opportunity to relaunch himself in the blue tunic against Israel then against Italy. Certain theories had circulated, evoking this extra-sporting affair, or even a punishment from the coach towards the captain. Spanish media have spoken of the player’s desire to stay in Madrid to rest and concentrate on his club. But now RMC Sport says a little more.
Deschamps has decided
It is indeed a decision taken by Deschamps. He called Mbappé earlier in the morning, before the list was revealed, to inform him that he was not going to be called up. He explained to the attacker that he wanted to protect him from everything that was happening around him. Mbappé, who wanted to join the Blues camp, had a little difficulty digesting his coach’s decision, but he still thanked him for having warned him before the list was made public, still according to RMC Sport.
Basically, it is also, for Deschamps, a way of protecting the group and establishing its authority, of showing who is the boss. The pretext given to Mbappé would therefore not be completely honest. RMC Sport also evokes a disagreement between the coach and his captain, for a reason that no one really seems to know. The media adds that in September, during the first international break of the season, Mbappé was not particularly keen to join the Blues, and it was his family who had to convince him. Clearly, there is water in the gas between Deschamps and Mbappé…
