FRANCE
Mbappé ‘disappears’ from France duties ahead of international game against Ireland
The French captain did not attend the pre-game press conference in an effort to avoid questions about his future.
Kylian Mbappé did not turn up for scheduled media duties for the French National Team ahead of their game against Ireland, causing rumours to fly regarding his absence. However, Deschamps poured cold water on the situation, saying he simply did not want to talk about his future.
Les Bleus face the Republic of Ireland at the Parc des Princes in a match that could seal their qualification for the next Euros. Deschamps’ men have a total of four victories to date, going on an unbeatable run after having lost the final of the recent World Cup.
However, before the match, despite France’s amazing position and form, the main topic of conversation in the corridors of the Clairefontanine training base was the absence of Kylian Mbappé at the pre-match press conference.
Deschamps says Mbappé under no obligation to speak to the press
For big international games, it is expected that, before a national team match, the captain sits with the coach in order to address the media. However, the PSG striker did not show up and Griezmann, vice-captain of the side, appeared in his place.
“There is no obligation to always have the captain. In my opinion, it is in the interest of the French team. I don’t think there would have been many questions about the Ireland match if he had been there. I put the collective interest first. I hope everything went well with Griezmann, although you continue to ask questions about Mbappé. Kylian is doing very well, he is back with his club, playing games. He is physically and mentally well and here he is the captain of the team”, Deschamps said as he looked to justify the absence of the PSG forward.
Real Madrid:
Why was Mbappé a no-show in France’s pre-game press conference?
After a turbulent, intense summer and with endless rumours regarding his future in Paris, Mbappé, especially the French Football Federation, do not want to expose him to the media.
The player considers that his last public appearance, which dates back to June 15 in Faro, Portugal, before facing Gibraltar, was more than enough. Less than a year before he is released as a free agent, journalists were always going to talk much more about his contract renewal with PSG than about any upcoming game at the Parc des Princes.
Griezmann, who acknowledged that he “is ready” to act as second captain, responded with a smile to the journalists. Despite the commotion generated by the appointment of Mbappé as captain, a wholly positive atmosphere has prevailed in Clairefontaine in recent days and the national team players have labelled the match against Ireland as a hugely important event to qualify for Euro 2024.
Who will play for France against Ireland?
So, as for the actual game, Deschamps will likely introduce several novelties into the starting XI. Lucas Hernández, recently signed by PSG, will start at the back for the first time with France since the injury he suffered at the last World Cup.
In midfield, Rabiot looks to start ahead of Camavinga, with an attack made up of Griezmann, Mbappé, Giroud and Ousmane Dembélé. Kolo Muani, another new signing for the Parisians, has recovered from his ankle issue, but the coach does not want to risk him after more than a week of inactivity.
On the other side of the pitch are an Ireland side in need of points. However, they will be without Evan Ferguson, Brighton’s emerging star, who will not be there due to injury.