Didier Deschamps confirms Kylian Mbappe will return to France squad, comments on Zinedine Zidane links
Published 14/02/2025 at 12:54 GMT
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Didier Deschamps confirmed Kylian Mbappe will return to the France squad for the Nations League quarter-final matches against Croatia in March. The France skipper was left out of Deschamps' squad for the October and November internationals. Elsewhere, Deschamps commented on reports that Zinedine Zidane is the front-runner to take over the France job when he steps down next year.
Mbappe integration at Real Madrid explained - 'He maybe took it for granted'
Video credit: TNT Sports
Kylian Mbappe will return to the France squad for the Nations League quarter-final matches against Croatia in March, Didier Deschamps has said.
Real Madrid forward Mbappe was not included in the France squad for their matches in October and November, months after signing for Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain.
"Of course he'll be there. Why wouldn't he be?" France manager Deschamps told L’Equipe.
"Yes, for very specific reasons (he was not here), but he'll be there if nothing happens to him between now and then.
"He's very attached to the French team, even if he's had a complicated personal period. He's back to full fitness, and you can see that in his game, and in his head too."
Despite being skipper and playing a record 84 consecutive matches for Les Bleus between 2017 and 2024, Mbappe’s commitment to the national team has been questioned at home following his acrimonious PSG exit and France’s disappointing Euro 2024 campaign.
However, Deschamps insisted Mbappe’s period of adaptation with Real was among the primary reasons for him not being called up.
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Mbappe integration at Real Madrid explained - 'He maybe took it for granted'
Video credit: TNT Sports
"Few holidays, little preparation, six complicated months in Paris, back pain, a broken nose at the Euros - these things obviously have athletic and psychological consequences, not to mention his adjustment to Madrid," Deschamps said.
"It took some time, but it fell into place because he did everything necessary.
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"There have always been internal discussions, individual or collective. And [the previous international break] does not call into question his leadership.
"I have no reason today to say that he will not be captain in March. But I will discuss it with him, as we often do."
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Didier Deschamps will step down after next year's World Cup finals
Image credit: Getty Images
France visit Croatia on March 20 for the first leg of their Nations League last-eight encounter.
They will then welcome Zlatko Dalic's men to the Stade de France for the second leg three days later.
Deschamps comments on Zidane links to France job
Deschamps, who confirmed he will step down as France boss after the 2026 World Cup, has commented on reports that Zinedine Zidane is the front-runner to take over the role.
On his former international team-mate, Deschamps said: "The last time we saw each other was in the summer of 2023, and we are set to meet again next summer. We have a great respect for one another.
"Zidane is an excellent candidate for the role of coach of the French national team, a natural choice, and I would add, a predictable one. But I am not sure if he would want it."
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