France Coach Didier Deschamps Embarrasses Kylian Mbappé, Who Praises Zinedine Zidane

France’s coach Didier Deschamps directed awkward criticism towards French star Kylian Mbappé after France’s 2-0 loss to Croatia in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals. Mbappé’s performance did not meet expectations in his first match back after being absent for over five months due to decisions made by Deschamps, according to the coach.

Deschamps said in an interview with (TF1): “I believe Mbappé was in good physical condition, but he didn’t give his best during the match.” He explained that Mbappé put in a lot of effort against Croatia’s packed defense, but he was capable of performing better. The coach didn’t limit his criticism to Mbappé alone but also pointed out the overall performance of the team, mentioning that the squad made several mistakes, leading to two goals conceded in the first half.

Earlier, French player and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé had expressed his respect for his national team coach Didier Deschamps, noting that his departure from the team would be a huge loss. This statement came after reports suggested the possibility of Deschamps leaving the team following the 2026 World Cup, with Zinedine Zidane potentially taking over. Mbappé clarified in an interview with French TV channel TF1 that Deschamps views the French team above all considerations, and that his departure would be a significant loss given what he has achieved with the team.

Regarding the possibility of Zidane taking over as coach, Mbappé explained that this decision lies with the president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo. He emphasized that Zidane had been a role model for many and left a lasting mark that would forever remain in the history of the French national team and in the hearts of French fans. Mbappé continued, “But I am not the one to decide whether Zidane should become the coach of France. It’s not my role, and I try not to talk about it because there is already a coach in place, and he must be respected.”