"I wanted to play, but the coach decided" - Kylian Mbappe claims Deschamps made decision to not call him up for France in November
Kylian Mbappe has shed light on his absence from the French national squad in November. In an interview with French channel Clique TV, the 25-year-old claimed it was Les Bleus head coach Didier Deschamps' decision to exlude him for the latest round of international matches.
Mbappe said (via 90Min.com):
"My love for the French team hasn't changed. Yes, I miss it, because it's been a long time since I've been there. In September, I asked the coach not to go. I had just arrived in Madrid. I had had a super short vacation. The coach insisted that I come, it didn't go very well. But it's still the French team."
"After that, in October, I was injured. I wasn't in those discussions, they were talking between staffs. The coach told me it was better that he didn't take me," added the AS Monaco graduate.
When asked why he was not called up for the international games in November, Mbappe claimed he wanted to play but that Deschamps decided against it. He said (via @MadridXtra on X):
"No France call-up in November? That was the coach's decision. I can't tell you why. I'm sorry. If he wants to say it, he can. I wanted to play, but the coach decided and I respect it."
Kylian Mbappe's last appearance for France was in their UEFA Nations League clash against Belgium on September 9, at Parc Olympique Lyonnais. The former Paris Saint-Germain star has recorded 48 goals and 35 assists in 86 appearances across competitions for Les Bleus. He has also won the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2020–21 UEFA Nations League with his nation.
Kylian Mbappe on his journey at Real Madrid so far
Kylian Mbappe signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid in June following his seven-season tenure at Paris Saint-Germain. Arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu with massive expectations, the Frenchman's journey has not gone to plan so far.
Amid criticism about his performances at Real Madrid, Mbappe explained why he is yet to find success at the Spanish giants. During a recent interview with Clique TV, the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner said (via ABC News):
"[Real Madrid] is a new context, a club, a new environment. I'm going to have success here. At first I was too hungry, it wasn't good for me, because I was impatient. But I'm passionate and I'm competitive. Sometimes that goes against me."
"It hasn't been the best start to the season, but we're preparing for trophies, which is what counts. The start isn't what we expected, but at Madrid you have to wait for the second half of the season. That's when you're judged," he added.
Kylian Mbappe has recorded 11 goals and two assists in 21 appearances across competitions for Real Madrid so far. His side will next be in action in a crucial Champions League clash against Atalanta on Tuesday, December 10.