In Amsterdam
June 15, 2023. Almost four months since Kylian Mbappé has not communicated publicly. The captain of the Blues, as last September during the matches against Ireland (2-0) and Germany (2-1), will be conspicuous by his absence this Thursday at 5 p.m. in the auditorium of the Johan Cruyff Arena from Amsterdam. After Antoine Griezmann, who played the game twice last month, as well as once in June, it is the turn of Aurélien Tchouaméni to replace the best player of the France team in this exercise usually reserved for wearer of the selection armband.
It’s anything but a surprise not to see Kylian Mbappé answer the questions before Netherlands-France this Thursday afternoon. In one month, his personal situation has not changed after a hot summer with Paris SG. The 2018 world champion is still at the end of his contract with his club, his name is still whispered at Real Madrid and to avoid the situation in June in Faro where the press conference only revolved around these subjects and not the news of the Blues – which had annoyed Didier Deschamps – it is decided that he remains silent.
This situation contrasts completely with the years of Hugo Lloris (145 caps), captain of the Blues who always presented himself to the press on the eve of the match. At that time, not so long ago, Deschamps slept soundly, without any departure from the track. By inducting Mbappé into the role of captain, the boss of the Blues knew he was forced to change his method of operation. Reality quickly became clear that with the PSG striker, a global star expected on many (too many) subjects, the media habits of the selection would change completely.
Unless there is a change against Scotland in a friendly on Tuesday, Mbappé is not expected to speak at this gathering. Still, it’s a shame and a problem that the French public, through the media, no longer hears its captain. Some will respond that the land takes precedence over everything else. The main person concerned, in poor form in recent weeks, knows perfectly well what to expect.
