Deschamps settles the Mbappé debate

In an interview on the French Football Federation’s YouTube channel, Didier Deschamps addressed the controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappé's omission from the French national team squad for their upcoming matches against Israel and Belgium.

Real Madrid is Mbappé's employer, not France

This decision had sparked criticism, especially after Mbappé started for Real Madrid against Villarreal on Saturday. Deschamps confirmed that the decision was mutually agreed upon, with a focus on prioritizing the player’s recovery from the injury he suffered on September 24 against Alavés.

“Regarding Kylian, he tends to attract a lot of attention,” began Deschamps. “It’s not just about Kylian; we need to see the bigger picture. The reality is that the interests of clubs and national teams inevitably diverge at some point. It’s important to remember, as it has always been, that the club is the employer, not the federation.

“I make sure, through the relationship I have with the players, to talk with them. Obviously, for me, the most important thing is the player’s well-being. I know very well that he won’t go against his club, nor does he want to go against his national team. But at some point, after discussions, we have to prioritize the player’s interests without putting them in a difficult situation.”

Deschamps also expressed understanding for Real Madrid’s stance on the Mbappé case.

“This applies to all clubs and the way they interpret situations. If there are players at risk of physical problems, clubs have always been reluctant to release them for national duty. I’m not here to take risks either. I’ve been a club manager, and when you’re in that position, if you believe there’s a risk, you can keep starting the players.”