On Friday, Didier Deschamps announced that captain Kylian Mbappe would return to France for their Nations League quarter-final matches against Croatia in March. After joining Real Madrid in July, the 26-year-old attacker, who has 86 France caps, was not named in the October and November Nations League squads.
Of course he’ll attend. Why wouldn’t he? Despite being absent for very particular reasons, he’ll be there if nothing happens to him between now and then “Interview with L’Equipe.
“Despite his personal struggles, he’s very loyal to the French team. He’s fit again, and it shows in his game and head.”
Players like Mbappe worry about injuries due to the rising soccer calendar. Despite his absences, Mbappe claimed in December he is devoted to France.
Mbappe’s Real adaptation was one reason the coach didn’t bring him up during the international break.
“Few holidays, little preparation, six complicated months in Paris, back pain, a broken nose at the Euro – these things obviously have athletic and psychological consequences, not to mention his adjustment to Madrid,” said Deschamps.
“It took some time, but it fell into place because he did everything necessary.”
If Mbappe’s absences affect his leadership, Deschamps remarked, “There have always been internal debates, individual or collective… The prior international break does not doubt his leadership.”
I have no reason to say he won’t be captain in March today. I’ll discuss with him as usual.” The French soccer federation (FFF) told Reuters last month that Deschamps, France’s longest-serving national team coach, will not seek a contract extension in 2026.
