Deschamps reacts to controversy over Mbappé

Soccereco, Staff Writer

Published: 12:26, 13 Oct 2024

Didier Deschamps has responded for the first time to the controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappé. The superstar withdrew from the French squad due to a minor injury and was later spotted during his trip to Sweden. A storm in a teacup, according to the French national coach.

Mbappé has some physical issues, which prevented him from playing for France. Instead, he booked a city trip to Stockholm.

On the day France played against Israel, Mbappé was spotted in Sweden, sparking a wave of reactions in the international media. "You can always sink lower. He is playing with his image, and that's dangerous," said Emmanuel Petit on RMC Sport.

However, Deschamps shrugged it off during an interview with Téléfoot. "A night out? I don’t follow the news of players who are not with the team. Kylian is following a recovery program at his club, Real Madrid. I don’t know if he had the day off. Before the match against Israel, he sent me a message. He is working on his recovery at Real Madrid. If players have a day off, they are free to do what they want."

Israel 1 - 4 France

Mbappé's withdrawal had already caused quite a stir. The forward was fit enough to play for Real Madrid against Villarreal just before the international break but not to play for France. This did not sit well with people like Bixente Lizarazu, who earned 97 caps for France. "If you can play for your club, you can also play for the French team. This is not normal."

Kylian Mbappé's recent absence from the French national team due to minor physical issues has stirred significant controversy. The young football star, who plays for Real Madrid, chose not to join the national squad for their UEFA Nations League match against Israel, citing an injury. However, what turned this seemingly routine withdrawal into a media frenzy was the fact that Mbappé was seen in Stockholm, Sweden, during his time off. Photos and reports of his city trip quickly spread across international media, sparking widespread debate about his commitment to the national team and raising questions about the growing tension between club and country responsibilities for top players.

On the day France secured a 4-1 victory over Israel, Mbappé was spotted enjoying his trip to Stockholm, a move that drew sharp criticism from various corners. Many saw his decision to vacation while the national team was playing as a potential slight to France and its supporters. Critics argued that if Mbappé was well enough to travel and enjoy time off, he could have been available to play for his country. One of the most vocal critics was Emmanuel Petit, a former French international and World Cup winner, who did not mince his words when discussing the incident. Speaking to RMC Sport, Petit remarked, "You can always sink lower. He is playing with his image, and that's dangerous." Petit's comment echoed the sentiments of many who were concerned that Mbappé's actions were damaging his carefully cultivated image as a dedicated and hardworking athlete.

Adding to the controversy was the fact that Mbappé had played for Real Madrid just before the international break, participating in a match against Villarreal. This led to speculation that his injury was not severe enough to prevent him from playing for the national team, which only further fueled the criticism. Bixente Lizarazu, another French football legend who earned 97 caps for the national team, also voiced his frustration, stating, "If you can play for your club, you can also play for the French team. This is not normal." Lizarazu's remarks reflected a broader concern among fans and commentators who expect national team players to prioritize international duty when called upon, particularly for important matches like those in the UEFA Nations League.

Despite the growing backlash, French head coach Didier Deschamps took a more relaxed stance on the matter. During an interview with Téléfoot, Deschamps shrugged off the criticism surrounding Mbappé's trip, choosing not to feed into the media storm. When asked about the situation, Deschamps calmly responded, "A night out? I don’t follow the news of players who are not with the team. Kylian is following a recovery program at his club, Real Madrid. I don’t know if he had the day off. Before the match against Israel, he sent me a message. He is working on his recovery at Real Madrid. If players have a day off, they are free to do what they want." Deschamps' response demonstrated his trust in Mbappé and emphasized that as long as players are following their club's recovery protocols, they are entitled to their personal time. He made it clear that he does not monitor the activities of players who are not on international duty, highlighting a more hands-off approach to managing his squad.

The situation, however, sheds light on a larger issue that has become increasingly common in modern football: the tension between club and country commitments. Elite footballers like Mbappé are often caught in a delicate balancing act between their responsibilities to their club teams and their national teams. With grueling schedules that include domestic leagues, international club competitions, and national team matches, players are constantly under pressure to perform at the highest level. This leads to difficult decisions, particularly when injuries or physical issues come into play. Clubs, which invest heavily in their star players, often prioritize their recovery and availability for crucial club matches, while national teams expect the best players to be available for international duty, especially during important tournaments or qualification matches.

For Mbappé, the optics of playing for Real Madrid but not for France during the same period have raised questions about his priorities. Many fans expect players of his caliber to give equal importance to representing their country, especially when France relies heavily on his talents in competitive matches. The criticism from figures like Petit and Lizarazu reflects a broader expectation among football fans and pundits that national pride should come before club loyalty, particularly when a player is representing their country in key competitions.

Mbappé's trip to Stockholm may have been a personal decision, but it has nonetheless sparked a larger conversation about the pressures elite athletes face and the scrutiny they endure. As one of football’s most marketable and recognizable stars, every move Mbappé makes, both on and off the pitch, is carefully watched. The backlash to his Swedish getaway serves as a reminder of the immense public pressure placed on top athletes to not only perform at their best but also to live up to the expectations of fans, media, and their country.

Despite the controversy, Mbappé remains one of the most important players for both Real Madrid and the French national team. His immense talent, leadership on the field, and influence in global football make him a central figure for both club and country. However, this incident has raised important questions about the balance between club and international commitments and how top players should manage their public image in the face of intense scrutiny.

As Mbappé continues his recovery with Real Madrid, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact his relationship with the French public and the national team. While Didier Deschamps has publicly supported his player and downplayed the incident, the critical voices from figures like Petit and Lizarazu suggest that there is lingering frustration within the French football community. Whether this is a temporary media storm or a situation with more lasting consequences will depend largely on how Mbappé handles future decisions regarding his commitments to both club and country. For now, the spotlight remains firmly on the young superstar as he navigates this challenging period in his career.