2024-11-07 13:20:00
This is an announcement that is still likely to cause a lot of ink to flow. Captain Kylian Mbappé, already absent last month, was not called up to the France team for the Nations League matches against Israel (November 14) and Italy (November 17), the coach announced Thursday, November 7 Didier Deschamps.
“I had several discussions with him. I thought about it and I made this decision about this gathering. I think it’s better like that,” argued the coach. “I can tell you two things: Kylian wanted to come, and it’s not the extra-sporting problems that come into play, from the moment the presumption of innocence exists. It’s a one-off choice.”
Midfielders Adrien Rabiot and N’Golo Kanté as well as defender Dayot Upamecano, however, are returning, while young Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier (23) is called up for the first time.
This is the second time in a row that Kylian Mbappé has been excused from a France team gathering. Last month, the striker was left at Real Madrid’s disposal to treat a left thigh injury. But the Blues star sparked a controversy by being established by his club two days before the start of the training course.
This then took on a completely different dimension after the revelations in the Swedish press about the opening of a rape investigation which, according to the daily newspapers Aftonbladet and Expressen, would target him after a trip to Stockholm. The Swedish police and courts have still not indicated whether Kylian Mbappé was indeed the subject of a rape complaint.
Slow start at Real
Added to these off-field concerns are the purely sporting problems of the 2018 world champion. In the wake of a failed Euro-2024, Kylian Mbappé is clearly in poor form and has just missed out on two major matches lost at home. by Real, the Clasico against FC Barcelona (4-0) ten days ago and the shock in the Champions League against AC Milan (3-1) on Tuesday.
Rabiot, a French midfielder, had not been selected since the Euro. Transferred late to OM, he had been judged to be out of form until now by Deschamps. Kanté, also back, had missed the last two meetings of the Blues due to injury. Aurélien Tchouaméni, injured in the left ankle, is logically withdrawn.
The other highlight of the list concerns the arrival of Chevalier. The Lille goalkeeper continues to collect high-class performances, whether in Ligue 1 or the Champions League. He is taking advantage of the absence of goalkeeper No.3 Alphonse Areola, who has not played for two matches with West Ham.
In defense, Dayot Upamecano, not called up in October due to injury, is also back.
With AFP
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**Interview with Sports Analyst, Jamie Thompson, on Kylian Mbappé’s Omission from France’s Nations League Squad**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Jamie. The news about Kylian Mbappé not being called up for the Nations League has surprised many. What are your thoughts on this decision by Didier Deschamps?
**Jamie Thompson:** Thanks for having me. Indeed, it is a surprising decision, especially considering Mbappé’s stature as the captain of the team. Deschamps has clearly thought this through, and while the absence of Mbappé is significant, it seems like a strategic move to manage team dynamics and player fitness.
**Interviewer:** Deschamps mentioned that it wasn’t due to extra-sporting issues and that Mbappé had expressed a desire to play. Do you think this decision will have long-term implications for Mbappé and his relationship with the national team?
**Jamie Thompson:** It’s definitely a delicate situation. While it’s clear that Mbappé wants to represent his country, there could be underlying factors that we’re not aware of. Deschamps emphasized the need for a collective team environment, and by sidelining Mbappé for now, he may be aiming to strengthen team cohesion. However, if this becomes a recurring theme, it could indeed affect the morale of both the player and the squad.
**Interviewer:** Let’s talk about the players who are returning. How do you think the reintegration of Rabiot, Kanté, and Upamecano will impact the team’s performance against Israel and Italy?
**Jamie Thompson:** Their return is certainly a boost. Rabiot brings creativity and drive in midfield, Kanté’s experience and defensive skills are invaluable, and Upamecano adds strength to the backline. These players will help in stabilizing the squad, especially against teams like Israel and Italy, who will be looking to test France’s defensive capabilities.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what do you foresee for Mbappé moving forward, especially with the upcoming Euro 2024 in mind?
**Jamie Thompson:** Mbappé will certainly want to be part of the Euro 2024 campaign, and he has enough time to get back into Deschamps’ good graces. His focus should be on regaining full fitness and perhaps working closely with the coach to ensure he’s aligned with the team’s objectives. The Euros are a huge platform, and I can’t see him being left out for long if he’s fit and performing at his best with Real Madrid.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jamie, for your insights on this intriguing situation. It’s certainly a development that will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
**Jamie Thompson:** My pleasure! It will be interesting to see how this all unfolds.
