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An important date in the history of the Blues: French captain Kylian Mbappé, France’s superstar since his birth at international level in 2017, was removed this Thursday 7 November by coach Didier Deschamps from the list of 23 players called up to play the two Nations League matches against the Israeli (Thursday 14 November in Saint-Denis) and Italian (Sunday 17 November in Milan) selections.
The context in brief: in free fall sportingly for nine months and after his departure from Paris-SG was made official, the player was reported missing during the last rally, held in Stockholm where his name was mentioned by the press Swedish in an open investigation for rape. “Kylian is not hurt, Deschamps explained this to journalists gathered at the headquarters of the French Football Federation. I had several discussions with him, we didn’t agree on everything. I thought about it and made this decision for this meeting, that is, on time. I think it’s better this way.” Stunned, the audience constantly put Deschamps on the defensive, determined not to say more than he intended to let out and extremely cautious in choosing even the smallest word.
“It’s better this way”
“I will add two things, he clarified anyway. One: the player wanted to come. And two: there are no extra-sporting considerations on this [allusion à l’affaire du viol de Stockholm, ndlr] because the presumption of innocence exists and must exist.” Mbappé not being officially accused of anything at this stage by anyone, the coach takes it anyway. Then : “I won’t say anything else. There is a painting to which I remain tied, playing time to distribute. It’s MY decision, he insists. And I think it’s for the best.” For him or for the Blues, did a journalist ask this? “It’s better this way” Deschamps replied.
On the nature of the disagreements between him and the player, the French coach concluded: “I didn’t talk about disagreement; I said we didn’t agree on everything, that’s different.” It was time for it to end. In a perhaps not so neutral response, when he was asked if the absence of his captain would not have affected, in one way or another, his teammates who do not hide, for some at least, a certain admiration towards the Bondynois : “You say things, it’s up to you, but they can be true, false, more or less verified… Kylian is not with us, and he wasn’t already with us at the last meeting.” If it is not easy to break through the rhetoric of the coach’s defense, on some points it is still quite clear.
Bowl of soup and game of Uno
The idea of protecting a player suspected for months of having psychological difficulties seems difficult to support. It’s an understatement to say that Deschamps didn’t strike a note of empathy on Thursday. Inseparable until now, the lifelines of France and their star striker are now separated, each living their own lives in their own corner. And if Mbappé had taken the initiative in October, this time it was Deschamps who crossed the finish line, a way to regain control and make the player pay for the distance he had deemed useful to put between himself and the Blues. The restoration of an authority, but not only. From Olivier Giroud to Antoine Griezmann, through Samuel Umtiti and even Karim Benzema before the blackmail affair that involved him in 2015, Deschamps in the past has always supported the players he was counting on, especially if they were at low tide: there is always a plate of soup and a game of Uno await you at Clairefontaine. But everyone, at some point, was still presented with the note.
And this setting aside looks just like that. If Deschamps mentioned (without insisting too much) the ephemeral nature of his star’s marginalization, he nevertheless opened up the field of possibilities. And not everyone agrees with the presence of the Real Madrid striker among the Blues.
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to this special edition of Time.news where we dissect the recent developments in the world of sports, with a particular focus on the French national football team. Today, we have with us Dr. Alice Fontaine, a renowned sports psychologist and analyst, to discuss the recent decision by coach Didier Deschamps to exclude captain Kylian Mbappé from the roster for the upcoming Nations League matches. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Fontaine.
Dr. Alice Fontaine: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a pertinent topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The decision to leave Mbappé off the list has sent shockwaves through the football community. From a psychological perspective, how can such a decision affect not only the player involved but also the team as a whole?
Dr. Fontaine: Well, first off, it’s essential to recognize that a player of Mbappé’s stature carries significant weight within the team dynamics. His exclusion can lead to feelings of confusion and concern among teammates. While Deschamps emphasized that “it’s better this way,” the absence of a high-profile captain can challenge the morale and unity of the team, particularly if there’s admiration for Mbappé among his peers.
Editor: Deschamps noted that there were disagreements between him and Mbappé, and he pointed out that the player wanted to participate despite the decision. How do you interpret this dynamic in terms of leadership and communication?
Dr. Fontaine: That’s a fascinating point. Leadership in sports often involves making tough decisions that may not always be popular. Deschamps seems to be navigating a complex relationship with Mbappé. Open communication is critical in maintaining trust and motivation within a team. The lack of alignment on certain issues could indicate underlying tensions. If not managed well, these disagreements could create a rift, impacting team cohesion.
Editor: It’s interesting that there’s an ongoing investigation related to Mbappé, yet Deschamps insisted that there are no “extra-sporting considerations” influencing his decision. How important is it for a coach to maintain this distinction in the public eye?
Dr. Fontaine: It’s crucial, indeed. By separating sporting decisions from external issues, Deschamps is trying to uphold professional integrity and protect the player’s presumption of innocence. This not only shields the team from unnecessary distractions but also allows the coach to focus on performance-related factors. However, the pressure of media scrutiny complicates this separation, and Deschamps must balance transparency with the well-being of the team.
Editor: What strategies could Deschamps employ to mitigate any potential fallout from this decision, both within the team and in relation to the public?
Dr. Fontaine: Open dialogue with his players is essential. He should ensure that the team understands the reasoning behind his decision and encourage them to express any concerns they might have. Additionally, engaging the media in a straightforward and consistent manner can help manage public perceptions. Creating a unified front and fostering team solidarity through supportive activities can also reinforce a sense of togetherness.
Editor: As we look ahead to the matches against Israel and Italy, what could be the psychological implications for both the players who remain and for Mbappé himself?
Dr. Fontaine: For the remaining players, there could be an increased pressure to perform well without their captain. They might feel a sense of responsibility to prove that they can succeed without him, which can be both motivating and stressful. As for Mbappé, being sidelined—even if it is a strategic decision—can lead to a mix of feelings: disappointment, frustration, or even embarrassment. He will need to channel these emotions positively, maintaining focus on his career and future opportunities.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Fontaine. Your insights into the psychological nuances of team dynamics are invaluable, especially in such tense situations. Any final thoughts?
Dr. Fontaine: Just that the world of sports often reflects broader human dynamics. The management of relationships, communication, and emotional well-being is as crucial on the pitch as it is off. we should remember that sports are about teamwork and resilience, and navigating challenges like this one can ultimately strengthen a team’s character.
Editor: Wise words! Thank you again for joining us, and we’ll be sure to keep an eye on how this situation develops.