France national team heach coach Didier Deschamps has called for improvement from Paris Saint Germain’s talisman, Kylian Mbappe. Deschamps insisted that the young sensation cannot be satisfied with his recent performances for the Les Blues.
The PSG youngster had a game to forget in their opening fixture of the World Cup qualifiers as France only managed a 1-1 draw against Ukraine. He was on the bench for their 2-0 win against Kazakhstan and later came on as a substitute only to miss a penalty. Deschamps is hopeful that Mbappe will soon replicate his club form in national colours.
“He cannot be satisfied with what he has done so far,” the France boss said ahead of the midweek Group D fixture against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
“He was not very comfortable in the first game. He was much better against Kazakhstan and had chances. Of course, he wants to score more goals and create them.”
When asked if Mbappe’s penalty miss against Kazakhstan has affected his mindset, Deschamps responded: “No, I don’t feel it has. It happens to everyone.
“I know Kylian well. He can, over a match or a period of time, have a spell of efficiency that isn’t as good as his usual levels.”
Mbappe has been in fiery form for the Parisiens in club football as they are looking like a very potent attacking side under Mauricio Pochettino’s guidance. However in national colours, things have been different for the young sensational as he has only managed 16 goals in 41 appearances for Les Blues.
The World Cup winning coach also touched upon the issue with Ousmane Dembele and Kingsley Coman as the latter started against Ukraine while the former scored the opening goal in their win against Kazakhstan, However, Deschamps feels that both the players add value to the French camp.
“They are players somewhat in the same profile – yet they are not the same. They are both dribblers capable of taking opponents out of the game.
“Ousmane can speed past opponents and go fast without the ball. Kingsley can play both sides, even if he has a preference, just like Ousmane.”
Despite a shaky start against Ukraine, France are currently at the top of their group with four points after two matches. However these are still early days and Didier Deschamps will want his star players to be at their best.
