Didier Deschamps, the manager of the France national team, has come to the defense of Kylian Mbappe, addressing the ongoing criticism regarding the playing style of the Real Madrid forward.
At the Sports Journalism Festival (source: Mundo Deportivo), Deschamps provided insight into Mbappe’s role, emphasizing that his position on the field naturally necessitates a specific mindset.
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Leading the attack for both Real Madrid and the French national team, Mbappe has frequently faced accusations of being self-serving, particularly when his scoring record is analyzed.
Deschamps made it clear that this criticism often overlooks the expectations of a world-class striker.
He discussed the public’s and media’s perception of Mbappe, stating that the image often portrayed does not accurately reflect the dynamics within the team.
“There’s a perception of someone who is very selfish and individualistic,” he noted.
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The national team coach elaborated on why such perceived selfishness is not only normal but essential for a player in Mbappe’s position.
He reminded everyone that Mbappe’s key responsibility is to influence the outcome of games.
“As a striker, it’s only natural that he possesses a certain level of selfishness,” he explained.
Deschamps firmly defended Mbappe’s character, stating, “He understands that as captain, his voice is crucial for the team.”
Deschamps further analyzed Mbappe’s influence within the French squad, countering those who assess him purely based on physical statistics.
He emphasized that not every player should be held to the same benchmarks.
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“If you’re judging Kylian based on running at least 11 kilometers per game, that’s misguided; he simply won’t do it,” he asserted.
“However, he possesses numerous other significant and decisive skills.”
Guy Stephan, Deschamps’ assistant, contributed additional insights, underscoring Mbappe’s explosive impact during matches.
He pointed out that while Mbappe might not rack up the most distance, the intensity and decisiveness of his efforts often surpass those of his teammates.
“He’ll make far more high-intensity runs than the others,” he stated.