Deschamps Defends Mbappé's Playing Style and Work Rate
In a candid statement at the sports press festival in Laval, Didier Deschamps, head coach of the French national team, addressed concerns regarding captain Kylian Mbappé. He asserted that Mbappé is not "selfish" and that expecting him to run "at least 11 kilometers in every match" is unrealistic.
Deschamps responded to a journalist's observation that the Real Madrid forward is the only player on the team who does not cover a lot of ground, joking:
"This also applies to the goalkeeper; that's your analysis. I don't see it that way, even if some players do run less than others."
The 57-year-old coach added:
"If you want him to run 11 kilometers in every match, that's unnecessary; he won't do it."
Guy Stéphane, Deschamps' assistant, who was also present, confirmed that Mbappé runs at high speeds and with great intensity, which sets him apart as a forward.
Deschamps concluded his remarks by stating:
"You may like or dislike Kylian's personality, but young players admire him. You might have a stereotypical image of him as selfish and isolated, and while a forward must be somewhat selfish, within the French team, he acts as a true leader."
