Deschamps calls for 'calm' for Kylian Mbappe

France coach Didier Deschamps told a news conference on Thursday that his captain Kylian Mbappé needs "calm" to cope with mourning the recent death of a close relative.

However, Deschamps announced that the PSG striker will start Friday's game against the Netherlands at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, a match that could seal Les Bleus' qualification for the 2024 European Championship finals.

"I talk to him regularly. Kylian needs peace. He is here. He will be part of the team tomorrow that has a very specific objective. You talk a lot about him he is mature enough to protect himself," said Deschamps.

Mbappé left the training camp in Clairefontaine for a few hours on Wednesday to go to Bondy for the funeral of the deceased loved one, whose relationship with the player has not been revealed.

"We talk a lot about him. But he is part of a team. He's not there to take everything. I hope you appreciated the presence of Tchouameni," added the French coach.

"He is very smiling, as usual. We don't see any problem. Each player has different situations at club, we know the kind of player he is. He has shown that he is at a very high level in training," said Tchouameni about Mbappe.

 

October 12, 2023