France manager Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Kylian Mbappé is ready to play in les Bleus’ final group stage match, which will see them take on Poland on Tuesday. The forward was briefly out of action after breaking his nose on matchday one, though he has returned to training sporting a protective mask.
What did Didier Deschamps say?
Speaking to the press ahead of the match, Deschamps said: “[Mbappé is] getting better every day. Yesterday he was in our training sessions, the bruise has gone down, he is getting used to playing with the mask. He wants to play, he’s raring to go.”
He also noted that the Real Madrid star has adjusted well to playing with a mask, saying that it will not affect his breathing but has somewhat limited his field of vision.
“I have never had to play with a mask but I imagine that for those who have, I wouldn’t say it’s a constraint per se but it does limit your vision,” he explained. “It is something he will get used to. The technology has gotten a lot better and we have masks that are quite thin, as thin as possible.”
Deschamps also confirmed that he will not adjust Mbappé’s playing position or instructions due to the injury, saying that “there will be contact regardless of where you are playing.”
While France have already confirmed their progression to the knockout stages of EURO2024, Deschamps is not lifting his foot from the gas. Following generally unconvincing performances in his first two matches, he will accept nothing less than the top spot in Group D.
“Our objective is the same. We are going to do everything we can to finish top of the group, even if this possibility exists, it is not going to change our objective for tomorrow.”
On Poland, France’s opponent for the final round of group stage matches, Deschamps expressed that he is wary of the team’s tactical discipline, which caused problems for the Netherlands.
“They had a great game against the Netherlands with a very specific formation. Even if they are not looking to qualify, I am happy that the Poland team will be motivated and looking to pull the best performance out of the bag that they can. They are quite tall, stocky players so they are quite good when it comes to set pieces, their formation is quite well defined, that can change but they tend to have a three-man backline, but they are a different opponent.”
Deschamps has also come under fire for failing to utilise the France squads young talent, with the likes of Warren Zaïre-Emery and Bradley Barcola yet to appear in Germany.
“If I could give everyone playing time, I would – but mathematically it’s just impossible,” he said with an air of disappointment. “I can get the statistics for you: when there are 23 [squad members], usually four of them don’t play.”
“They are obviously giving their all in training sessions, but it is not about being young, not young, or veterans, everyone has the chance to start. It is a first world problem. I’ve only got eleven that start each time and a pool of many.”
What did N’Golo Kanté say?
One of the gems of France’s tournament so far has been the return of N’Golo Kanté. The diminutive midfielder has been back to his vintage best for les Bleus this summer, ever-present across the pitch and dictating play in much the same fashion as he did for Chelsea.
As one of the senior members of the squad, he has tried to set an example for the younger members of the squad, particularly on the training pitch.
“We are playing together, on the field together, training together. That is how I learned as well,” he said, reminiscing on the early days of his career in France’s lower leagues.
“Older players took me under their wing, and it was just by playing at their sides that I learned, so if I can help share with the younger players that would be great – but it is not my personality to lead so much, but on the pitch is where I can show them a lot more easily.”
Now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, Kanté is not the most talkative of players, but expressed that he was happy to be back in the France camp, saying that “it’s about savouring the moment.”
“I’m happy to be back in my boots at a competition, and also to receive a lot of praise and support. The competition is still ahead of us, we are still in the group stages, it is about getting your head down and being the strongest team possible so we can get as far as possible.”
Kantée has also opened the door to a return to European play.
“I don’t think it’s over. I would love to come back,” he said. “I had a really good year in Saudi Arabia and I am happy to be back with the national team. It is beautiful, I want to give everything I’ve got but it is not really playing on my mind.”