(Reuters) – According to France national team manager Didier Deschamps, Kylian Mbappe’s reduced playing time with Paris St Germain in recent weeks could benefit the player in the long run, particularly as it may keep him fresh for upcoming tournaments such as the European Championship and Olympic Games. The France captain, who is set to leave PSG as a free agent at the end of the season, has only played the full 90 minutes in three matches since February 14.
These matches include a 2-1 Champions League win at Real Sociedad, a 3-1 French Cup victory over Nice, and a convincing 6-2 league win against Montpellier on Sunday. When asked about Mbappe’s limited game time, Deschamps emphasized the importance of physical freshness leading up to major competitions like the upcoming friendly against Germany on March 23.
“It’s important to be physically fresh for a major competition. In any case, all the players will arrive at the end of the season feeling a little tired. If that fatigue can be reduced a little, it’s even better,” stated the French coach.
Despite Mbappe’s desire to participate in the Paris Olympics this summer, a potential move to Real Madrid may impact his ability to do so. France under-23 coach Thierry Henry revealed on Monday that Real Madrid had rejected a request to release players for the Olympic Games.
In response to Real Madrid’s decision, Deschamps expressed disappointment, commenting, “Real Madrid’s stance on the Olympic Games is a bit outdated. But businesspeople are the ones who decide. If it’s not on an official FIFA date, if they say no, the answer is no.”
It remains to be seen how Mbappe’s future and potential involvement in the Olympic Games will unfold as the summer approaches. The talented forward has been heavily linked with a transfer to LaLiga leaders Real Madrid, which could potentially impact his availability for the Olympics.
Deschamps’ focus remains on managing Mbappe’s playing time effectively to ensure his optimal performance for both club and country. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Mbappe and his role in the upcoming major tournaments, including the European Championship and the Olympic Games.
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
