Deschamps Defends Mbappé's Playing Style: 'He's Not Selfish'

During a recent discussion at a sports journalism festival in Laval, Didier Deschamps, head coach of the French national team, defended team captain Kylian Mbappé, stating that he is not "selfish" and that it is unrealistic to expect him to run "at least 11 kilometers in every match."

Deschamps responded to a journalist's observation that Mbappé is the only player on the team who does not cover extensive ground, joking:

"That applies to the goalkeeper too; that's your analysis. I don't believe that's the case, even if some players run less than others."

The 57-year-old coach added:

"If you want him to run 11 kilometers in every game, that's unnecessary; he won't do it."

Guy Stephan, Deschamps' assistant, who was also present, supported this view by stating that Mbappé runs a lot, but does so at high speeds and with great intensity, which is characteristic of a forward.

Deschamps concluded his remarks by saying:

"You may find Kylian likable or not, but the younger players admire him. You might have a stereotype of him as a selfish and isolated figure, and while a forward should have some selfishness, he behaves like a true captain within the French national team."