French Football president optimistic About Real Madrid star’s international return in March | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappe is currently navigating one of the most challenging periods of his professional career. Since joining Real Madrid this summer, he has struggled to display the form that made him one of football’s most celebrated talents.

Compounding his difficulties at the club level, Mbappe has been absent from the French national team during the last two international breaks—once due to injury concerns and another as part of a tactical decision made by Didier Deschamps.

The president of the French Football Federation (FFF), Philippe Diallo, recently commented on the matter. He revealed that he has not spoken directly with Mbappe since the Euros, but he is aware that Deschamps has taken steps to engage with the forward.

“It seemed natural to me to let the coach speak to the player. He told me about the conversations they had had up until the decision he made for the last squad,” he began saying as quoted by MARCA.

Diallo acknowledged that Deschamps had travelled to Madrid on multiple occasions to discuss matters with Mbappe. Despite these interactions, the final decision on Mbappe’s inclusion in the squad has always rested with the coach.

The first absence was justified

Mbappe’s initial absence in October was explained as being injury-related. However, it raised eyebrows because the player had featured in Real Madrid’s matches against Lille and Villarreal shortly before the international break.

Mbappe missed France’s recent international matches. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

His omission from the November squad was even more surprising, as no specific physical issue was cited.

Addressing this, Diallo emphasised that decisions regarding player selection fall entirely under the coach’s purview, making it clear that Deschamps provided his reasoning at the time of the announcement.

“I am the president of the Federation, I am not the coach. Deschamps explained his choice at the time of the list.”

In a delicate situation

Despite these challenges, Diallo expressed optimism about Mbappe’s future with the national team. He underscored Mbappe’s immense value to France, highlighting his unique abilities and contributions.

“He is in a delicate moment today in terms of sport. When he is the best player in the world, he is an irreplaceable asset for the French national team.”

Diallo’s hope is for Mbappe to regain his confidence and form, rejoining the French squad in March to play a pivotal role in their upcoming matches.

“My only wish is for him to return to what he is and for him to join us in March for the next meeting to bring us everything that he has already brought to the French national team,” he concluded.