"Leave him alone" - France boss Didier Deschamps hits out at media questioning decision not to call up Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe
Didier Deschamps has told the French press to leave Kylian Mbappe alone as the fallout over the Real Madrid star's omission from the France squad continues. The 25-year-old hasn't joined his national team for UEFA Nations League games against Israel tomorrow (November 14) and Italy three days later.
The France Football Federation's official line on Mbappe's absence is that he's going through a 'delicate period'. Deschamps has previously claimed that the Madrid forward wanted to be part of the squad, but it was the coach's decision to leave him out.
Deschamps was asked about the situation ahead of Les Bleus' clash with Israel at the Stade de France. He responded (via Madrid Xtra):
"Mbappe? There are 23 players. Kylian is not here, leave him alone."
Deschamps' one-off decision comes as Mbappe has struggled to reach expectations since joining Real Madrid in the summer. In Los Blancos' 3-1 loss to AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League midweek, he was out of sorts.
Kylian Mbappe has managed eight goals and two assists in 16 games across competitions at the Santiago Bernabeu. Thierry Henry criticised the 86-cap France international after the Milan defeat and was adamant he needed to do more.
The omission also comes amid allegations of rape when he made a trip to Sweden last month. The Real Madrid attacker's representatives claim the allegations are 'totally false' and a 'slanderous rumor', per France24.
"He is our captain" - France's Dayot Upamecano offers his support to Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe
Dayot Upamecano is one of Deschamps' latest squad who have thrown their support behind compatriot Kylian Mbappe. The Bayern Munich defender is hopeful he'll return shortly (via MARCA):
"There is no concern, but we cannot forget what Kylian has done for this team and we miss a bit of support for him. We must not forget that he is our captain and I hope he will be back with us soon."
Upamecano alluded to the gruelling schedule of games international football is throwing up alongside club fixtures:
"There are a lot of games and I said that at the start of the season. We are human beings and the mental aspect counts a lot for us. I'm not going to go into those details, but as I said before he is our captain and I hope he will be with us soon. He is very important for us."
Kylian Mbappe has long been Les Bleus' protagonist, although he encountered a difficult Euro 2024 campaign. Real Madrid's summer signing broke his nose in his country's opening game, and that injury disrupted his progress throughout.