The FFF’s revelations on the Kylian Mbappé controversy

This is the subject that got people talking during the French team’s international break. Despite the challenges of the Nations League, which is still struggling to get going, Blues supporters and the media only talked about Kylian Mbappé. It must be said that the absence of the Frenchman fueled the debates. After his desired and assumed absence in October, the Real Madrid striker once again missed the Blues gathering. This time, it is a decision by Didier Deschamps. The national coach explained that he did not want to justify himself, believing that the absence of Kylian Mbappé, from this gathering, was better like that.

Surprising explanations that convinced no one. Is it linked to his affair in Sweden, is it really a choice by Didier Deschamps, a sanction? Questions that remained almost unanswered. This Wednesday evening, the president of the FFF finally came out of silence to speak out on this affair which has caused a lot of ink to flow. At the microphone of the channel L’Teamthe 61-year-old leader was clear. “I didn’t speak with him. I spoke during the Euro then he left. Afterwards, there were numerous contacts since I know that Didier Deschamps went to Madrid to meet him. There was a lot of discussion with him. It seemed natural to me to let the coach speak with his player. And then, the coach reported to me about the discussions until the decision that you know at the last meeting. What if there is a problem? No. The coach explained his choice at the time of the list. Today, Mbappé is in a more delicate period sportingly. When he is the best player in the world, he is an irreplaceable asset. What if he intentionally missed the October gathering? This is your information, for me it is that there were exchanges between the staff of the Blues and Real which led to this”said Philippe Diallo who also took the opportunity to explain that the affair in Sweden had nothing to do with this decision.

“Kylian Mbappé, I hope, will be there in March”

The new president of the FFF also expressed his wish to quickly see Mbappé again with the Blues and spoke of his role as captain. “My wish is that he becomes what he is again and that he joins us in March at the next gathering to bring what he has already brought to the France team. This is my only subject. (…) It is first up to Mbappé to tell us whether the captain’s armband weighs too much on him or not. I think he has the capacity to take it on. I saw that he was an exemplary player, including for the group. Who has a lot of respect for this role. If he comes back in March, if he feels it, yes he will have the armband. What I can tell you is that Kylian Mbappé, I hope, will be there in March and as captain if he feels that it is not a burden for him. And a captain must be recognized by the group, I think that Mbappé is recognized by the group.he said.

Raised numerous times on the subject, Philippe Diallo also mentioned Didier Deschamps’ choice to prefer to name Mbappé rather than Griezmann captain. “The choice was made at that moment. Kylian Mbappé appeared to be the natural leader, it was he who was being talked about for a potential Ballon d’Or. He was the one ranked among the best players in the world. He had a form of charisma towards the whole group. I don’t think this is a mistake. He wore his armband with honor. He is a player whose every move is commented on and amplified, which gives him an extra charge. He needs peace and quiet to regain his means and give what he can give. He is barely 25 years old and he is already World Champion, he has won a lot of things. There may be a form of psychological weariness. He has to find that again to be who we know.”