On Wednesday, the French national team commenced their training camp in preparation for the Euros, and coach Didier Deschamps held a press conference at the Clairefontaine training center. Addressing the media’s focus on Kylian Mbappe’s rumored transfer to Real Madrid, the 55-year-old Deschamps stated, “That’s not up to me. The transfer matters will be decided by those involved. Whenever an announcement comes, we’ll adapt accordingly to ensure the team remains unaffected.”
Deschamps emphasized, “It doesn’t depend on me. They will make an official decision when the time is right. Whenever possible, we need to adapt to the team’s situation.”
Regarding Mbappe’s form, Deschamps replied, “Don’t you think he’s in good shape? Scoring 44 goals in a season, maybe he could have done better. He played in the Coupe de France final and remained active. Compared to those who finished their seasons early or didn’t play much for their clubs, he’s doing well. I’m no magician; I can’t change things instantly, but we have time to prepare for the tournament optimally.”
Speaking about Mbappe’s role in the national team, Deschamps stressed, “Club football is different from international duty. Mbappe has always been central to our plans. He carries a significant load at his club, and even more so with the national team. I don’t treat him specially, but I understand the interest in his future decision, as he’s Mbappe and crucial to the squad.”
Regarding Camavinga’s injury status, Deschamps shared, “He’s progressing steadily, actively involved, but not fully recovered yet. Based on his rehabilitation, there’s no reason for concern. With the Saturday final looming, it’s tight, but we have a clear recovery plan. Once he joins us, daily monitoring will be easier, and I believe he’s on track to return on time if all goes well.”
Commenting on Kante’s return, Deschamps described, “Kante’s return feels like coming home, natural and joyful. He’s very familiar with Clairefontaine, unlike newcomers like Bradley Baccouka. Kante arrived with a smile, just like the other players who reported on time, showing great condition.”
On the transfer activities of his players, Deschamps expressed understanding and support for individual choices: “We sometimes discuss transfers, but the final call is theirs. It’s part of their career. Sometimes, a player’s move might not be necessary, but once a decision is made, I adapt flexibly to minimize the impact on the team.”
Lastly, addressing the leadership void left by Lloris and Varane, Deschamps seemed confident: “Lloris and Varane played key roles in past matches, and their presence mattered. However, we have other players within the squad capable of taking responsibility and leading. I’m not worried about the team’s self-management.”
