News Focus
- Deschamps explains why Mbappé missed the pre-match press conference on Monday
- The France captain faces criticism at home for his public opposition to far-right politics
- Les Bleus begin their World Cup Group I campaign against Senegal in New York
- Only four squad members remain from France’s 2018 World Cup triumph in Russia
- Ousmane Dembélé’s selection depends on physical and mental readiness after the Champions League final
Large crowds have gathered outside the French team hotel in Boston since their arrival last week. Young fans wait for hours to see the players leave for training sessions. Every squad member receives requests for photos and signatures, but the noise levels rise sharply when Kylian Mbappé appears.
The forward has become one of the few current football stars known widely across the United States. As France chase a third World Cup title, attention back in their home country has focused on the captain’s political comments. In a weekend interview with Le Parisien, Mbappé denied plans to become French president one day. He joked that too many people already disliked him.
Didier Deschamps faces the challenge of managing this media storm while preparing his team. The 57-year-old coach spoke calmly on the eve of the match against Senegal. He wants to reduce pressure on his squad.
Deschamps has strongly supported his captain throughout the tournament build-up. Mbappé received criticism from figures including Michel Platini after speaking against far-right political movements. The player did not attend the official press conference before the Senegal game. N’Golo Kanté spoke to journalists instead. Deschamps insisted this change had no connection to recent controversies. He stated clearly that protecting his players remains his main priority.
The manager was asked if Mbappé’s global fame requires special handling. Deschamps agreed this was true. He said he talks with the captain frequently. Mbappé manages his own life despite his worldwide recognition. Fans of all ages love him across the globe. However, Deschamps stressed that the star behaves normally within the team group. He confirmed this was not the reason for his absence from media duties.
Just four players survive from the 2018 World Cup winning side. These include Mbappé, Kanté, and current Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembélé. The winger carries heavy expectations to repeat his club form for his country. He has scored seven goals in 59 international appearances.
Deschamps took a different approach when discussing Dembélé. He tried to reduce pressure on the Paris Saint-Germain attacker. He noted that Dembélé shares the same concentration levels as his teammates. The coach added that the player clearly wants to perform well and make a difference, just as he does regularly for PSG.
Dembélé received additional recovery time following last month’s Champions League final. Deschamps suggested his place in the starting eleven against Senegal depends on both physical condition and mental state. He said a fully fit Dembélé would strengthen the French squad.
All these individual statements form part of Deschamps’ wider strategy. The coach, who will leave his post after this tournament, wants to remove the favourites tag from his team. He admitted France can win the competition. However, he pointed out that six or seven other nations share this ability. He warned that the path to victory would prove difficult. France possesses high-quality players and good recent World Cup results. Many squad members will experience their first World Cup. For these reasons, Deschamps refused to describe his team as superior to the others.
The manager left the stadium appearing relaxed. He showed mock surprise when told that training would briefly remain open to cameras. Much of his squad may find this World Cup environment new. However, the coach and his senior players know how to handle the attention.