Kylian Mbappé, protagonist of FC Barcelona's latest big disappointment
Published:5/10/2024 - 10:57h
Updated:5/10/2024 - 10:57h
Deschamps has given Mbappé a rest for the FIFA matchday. Jules Koundé, on the other hand, has been called up to France despite having accumulated more than a thousand minutes this season
Kylian Mbappé's absence from the French national team squad for this international break was, to say the least, surprising. Didier Deschamps justified the situation by saying that "I spoke to Kylian, there is a match on Saturday (against Villarreal), in 48 hours with questions, he has a problem that is not serious but that requires care so that he recovers well. I am not here to take risks."
However, it is still curious that the French coach did not call up a player who a couple of days ago played more than 30 minutes against Lille and who this Saturday could see more action in the clash against Villarreal. A couple of factors that 'expose' the arguments presented by the coach, whose decision has not been well received by FC Barcelona.
Jules Koundé, the element of 'discord'
And the fact is that at Can Barça they have not looked favourably on the fact that the French coach did not give rest, for example, to Jules Koundé, who has played every minute with the club so far this season. That Deschamps has this favourable treatment with one of his most differential footballers is, at the very least, doubtful taking into account his physical condition and, consequently, has raised some 'blisters'.
Beyond all this, the fact is that Kylian will have rest during this window of international matches while Koundé, almost certainly, will continue to load his legs with minutes with France. The right-back will travel to Budapest and Brussels, and will later return to Barcelona on October 16 to face the Sevilla-Bayern-Real Madrid series. A 'trial by fire' for a footballer who will push his physique to the limit and who, sooner rather than later, will have to rotate to avoid any future setbacks.
