UEFA Nations League: Why I Dropped Mbappe From France Squad – Deschamps

Didier Deschamps, the France head coach, has spoken up on his decision to leave Kylian Mbappe out of the France squad, amid talk of pressure from Real Madrid.

Mbappe, who only joined the LaLiga giants this summer, is not in Les Bleus squad for the latest round of UEFA Nations League fixtures.

This has led to criticisms in his homeland, as the 25-year-old played in the 2-0 win over Villarreal, despite apparently nursing a knock.

But Deschamps has insisted that the decision not to select Mbappe was entirely his.

He told reporters ahead of the game with Israel on Thursday: “Mbappe was not fit against Villarreal.

“There was no request. The decision is mine. He played the Villarreal game without being 100 per cent fit.”