Kylian Mbappe left out of France squad for Nations League despite "wanting to come"

Summary

France head coach Didier Deschamps has explained his decision to leave Kylian Mbappé out of the latest squad, citing his recent lack of form at Real Madrid and injury concerns. Deschamps clarified that the exclusion was a one-off choice for this gathering and not related to external controversies surrounding the player. Mbappé had expressed a desire to participate in the upcoming Nations League games against Israel and Italy, but Deschamps emphasized that the decision was based on footballing reasons, with no impact from the media reports regarding Mbappé.

Takeaways

• 😀 Deschamps has left Kylian Mbappé out of the France squad for the upcoming Nations League games.
• 😀 Mbappé's exclusion is attributed to his recent form with Real Madrid, not off-field issues.
• 😀 Deschamps emphasized that this decision is a one-off for the current gathering of players.
• 😀 Mbappé had expressed a desire to play in the upcoming Nations League matches against Israel and Italy.
• 😀 The coach made it clear that the decision was not related to the ongoing media reports about Mbappé being involved in a rape investigation.
• 😀 Deschamps highlighted that the presumption of innocence should be respected in any legal matter involving the player.
• 😀 Deschamps said, 'It's my responsibility to make decisions,' emphasizing his authority as head coach.
• 😀 The exclusion of Mbappé is focused purely on footballing reasons, not personal or external matters.
• 😀 The French head coach acknowledged that the media speculation around Mbappé is not influencing his decision.
• 😀 Deschamps assured that the player's exclusion is strictly a temporary, form-based decision and will not have a long-term impact on Mbappé’s place in the squad.

Q & A

Why was Kylian Mbappé left out of the latest France squad?

Kylian Mbappé was left out due to a recent dry run of form with his club, Real Madrid. This decision was also influenced by his injury in the previous camp.

What was Didier Deschamps' reasoning for leaving Mbappé out of the squad?

Didier Deschamps described the decision as a one-off, emphasizing that it was not related to off-field issues but rather a tactical choice for this particular gathering.

Did Kylian Mbappé want to play in the upcoming Nations League games?

Yes, Mbappé wanted to play in the upcoming Nations League matches against Israel and Italy, as stated by Deschamps.

How did Didier Deschamps address the media reports about Kylian Mbappé?

Deschamps denied any connection between Mbappé's exclusion and the media reports about a rape investigation. He reaffirmed that the presumption of innocence applies.

What did Didier Deschamps say about the media reports on Mbappé's off-field issues?

Deschamps made it clear that the exclusion was not influenced by any extra-sporting issues and stressed that the presumption of innocence must be respected.

Was Kylian Mbappé's exclusion permanent or temporary?

Deschamps clarified that this decision was a temporary, one-off choice for the current gathering, not a permanent exclusion from the squad.

How did Deschamps describe his decision-making process regarding Mbappé's absence?

Deschamps stated that it was his responsibility to make such decisions and he felt it was better to leave Mbappé out for this specific set of games.

How did Deschamps emphasize his role in decision-making for the squad?

Deschamps emphasized that as head coach, it is his responsibility to make decisions for the team, and he stands by the choice to leave Mbappé out.

Was there any indication that Kylian Mbappé's exclusion was related to his form or injury?

Yes, Mbappé’s exclusion appears to be linked to his recent form with Real Madrid and the injury that kept him out of the previous camp.

How did Didier Deschamps respond to questions about the rape investigation involving Mbappé?

Deschamps rejected any claims that Mbappé’s exclusion was due to the investigation and reaffirmed that the decision was based solely on sporting reasons.