For the first time since June 15, when he took part in a pre-match press conference ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifier against Gibraltar in Faro, Portugal, French captain Kylian Mbappé spoke to the press ahead of Saturday’s return match between the two nations. The Paris Saint-Germain striker had skipped his media duties in a bid to put an end to speculation about his future and reiterated that he would not comment on his situation in the clubentirely focused on France.
Mbappé’s future at PSG “nothing to do with France”
Of course, it didn’t take long for this particular topic to come up, with the 24-year-old clearing away all questions related to his plans at club level. “My future has nothing to do with the French team. If you want to ask me this question, come to the PSG Campus (the club’s training center) and I will answer you. Here, the country comes first.
“The last time was in June, when I announced that I would not attend all the press conferences. I was already nobody’s boss, including Griezmann, and he did the next three press conferences,” Mbappé said of his recent media silence.
The French team captain then addressed a number of other questions, including whether he would be interested in playing in Olympic Games, which will be held in Paris next summer. “It all depends on the coach. It would be a pleasure to play, but if the coach does not want it, I will accept this decision. I don’t think you need to think about it too much. If it’s yes, it’s yes, if it’s no, it’s no. But I want to play and I think people do too.
France captain on criticism of Luis Enrique
Mbappé also revealed differences between the way French coach Didier Deschamps and PSG coach Luis Enrique approach matches. “The manager here changes depending on our opponent, which means I’m a different player. I need to use a broader skill set. I can still improve and expand my skills. Here, the coach allows me to have total freedom on the left wing. Luis Enrique gives me more structure. I adapt to all these systems, and with the two great coaches that I have, I want to listen to them,” he added.
Last week, the attacker was criticized by PSG boss Luis Enriquewas “not happy” with his performance in the victory against Reims, even if he had scored a hat-trick. “You have to ask him why he felt that way at that moment. I took it very well, he’s a great coach who has a lot to teach me. From day one, I told him he would have no problem with me. I have always worked very well with the coaches I had. I’m a player who demands a lot from himself, so if I also find these demands from someone else, that’s perfect for me.
Lionel Messi “deserved” to win the Ballon d’Or
As for the recently awarded prize Golden BallMbappé, who finished third in the voting, expressed his belief that the Inter Miami star and Argentina captain Lionel Messi was the rightful winner. “I am not someone who is afraid to express myself. The ranking is what it is. Messi won the World Cup, so he deserves it. He is one of the best players of all time, if not the best.. The night of the World Cup final, I already knew who had won the Ballon d’Or.”
Finally, the captain of France praised his PSG teammate Warren Zaire-Emery, 17-year-old midfielder called up for the first time by France. “He’s fascinating. he is already very mature, plays with a lot of personality, is a modern midfielder who is not afraid to advance with the ball. Our goal is to support it. I have no advice to give him. He will learn very quickly on his own. With the coaches he has, he has everything he needs to progress. At 17, he’s the same age as my little brother… It’s incredible. I’m not old, but now I am a little. This guy comes in and does his job…Our mission is to protect him,” he said.
Deschamps: “Mbappé does not influence my decisions”
France coach Deschamps also spoke to the media, confirming that Zaire-Emery would make his debut on Saturday and discussing details of his “Fantastic” relationship with Mbappéwho, according to him, has no influence on the decisions he makes on the field.
“My relationship with Mbappé is very good and it is very good for the team as a whole. As captain, it is his responsibility to engage with the entire group. It’s something that doesn’t weigh too much on him. He appreciates that. It’s a role he enjoys because, like Antoine (Griezmann), he has the ability to get everyone on his side. Does it influence my decisions? He doesn’t even think about it. He’s a player, but neither he nor anyone else at any point tells me “he should play” or “he shouldn’t play.”
