“I am not here to take risks” - Didier Deschamps explains decision to exclude Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe from UEFA Nations League games
Didier Deschamps has hinted that Real Madrid blocked Kylian Mbappe from joining the national side for the UEFA Nations League games in October. Deschamps said that the striker will not go against the club or his national side and the final decision was that Mbappe would stay out of the France squad.
Speaking to the media, Deschamps said that Mbappe taking rest for the two weeks was the best for Real Madrid. He said that the Spanish side wanted him to recover from his hamstring issue (via Madrid Universal):
"One must prioritise the interest of the player without putting him in difficulties with his club. The interests of clubs and the interests of national teams necessarily diverge at some point, and we must not forget that the employer is the club, not the federation."
"The most important thing is the interest of the player, and I know very well that he will not go against his club and does not want to go against the national team. Mbappe attracts a lot of attention; we should not give it so much importance but rather see it more generally. Clubs have always resisted the idea of the player going to the national team and taking risks, and I am not here to take risks."
Kylian Mbappe will not be the only big name missing for France. Antoine Griezmann, who was appointed the vice-captain after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, will also be missing after he announced his sudden retirement from the national side.
Kylian Mbappe was left out of the France squad due to fitness, claimed Didier Deschamps
Didier Deschamps spoke to the media earlier this month and claimed that the decision to leave Kylian Mbappe from the side was down to his fitness. He stated that there was no need to take any risk for the forward and told the media (via GOAL):
"I spoke with Kylian about the situation, which is still uncertain after coming on as a substitute on Wednesday. He has a match on Saturday and there are questions. He has a problem which is not serious but he needs treatment to recover properly."
"I am not here to take risks. That is why Kylian is not here. I have no doubt about Kylian's commitment but he was not in the best condition during the last gathering."
France take on Israel and Belgium in the UEFA Nations League ties. Didier Deschamps will have to name a new captain in the absence of Kylian Mbappe.