Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has stated his focus is on achieving an unprecedented treble with his current club, dismissing speculation about a potential Champions League clash with former club Paris Saint-Germain and playing down reported disagreements with France coach Didier Deschamps. In an interview with Le Parisien, Mbappé addressed several key topics ahead of the international break.
On a Potential PSG-Real Madrid Champions League Match
Mbappé emphasized his focus on Real Madrid’s upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal, rather than a hypothetical match against PSG. “The worst mistake you could make would be to think about that. It reminds me of last year, when everyone assumed there would be a PSG-Real Madrid final. And in the end, we didn’t make it. So I only think about Arsenal… We have the opportunity to achieve something big in this final part of the season, and all our energy should be dedicated to that, to ourselves and the matches ahead. These kinds of projections should be left to the general public… We don’t have time for that.”
On His Relationship with PSG Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi
Mbappé stated he would have no issue shaking hands with Al-Khelaifi if the two teams met. “Of course I’d shake hands with Nasser if we meet PSG in the UCL. I’m not the kind of person who only looks at the negative, I know how to be grateful for what people give me in life, both professionally and personally.”
On His Relationship with France Coach Didier Deschamps
Mbappé denied any significant rift with Deschamps, acknowledging occasional disagreements but emphasizing their strong working relationship. “No! If there had been a breakup, I would never have taken his calls. Everyone knows me. If there’s a breakup with someone, I don’t keep in touch, I can’t pretend… We’ve had successes together, and our relationship can’t end up in the trash because of two or three disagreements that, on the other hand, aren’t serious at all… They’re not secrets, they’re disagreements that people don’t need to know about.”
On Returning to the France Squad
Mbappé expressed his pride and enthusiasm for representing France. “It always gives you the same sense of pride to represent the blue jersey. Plus, it’s a new year, which starts with a big game, qualifying for the Final Four (of the Nations League) and a goal: preparing, of course, for the 2026 World Cup, which is the great challenge for this group… I’m happy to be back; I still have the same energy and desire to help the French team succeed.”
On His Poor Form at the Start of the Season
Mbappé attributed his early-season struggles to a combination of factors, including the disappointment of France’s Euro 2024 final loss, and reduced playing time at PSG. “A European Championship that you don’t win, in which you don’t play well, an end of season at PSG in which you play much less… It’s an accumulation of things, injuries, poor performances, things that I haven’t experienced much in my career and that force you to have to work again to become the player you can be.”
On the Ballon d’Or:
Mbappe commented, What’s a Ballon d’Or player? Rodri, is he a Ballon d’Or player for you? I thought the Ballon d’Or would go to Vini Jr., but in the end, it went to Rodri. If I told you that 3 months ago, you would have said, ‘What the hell are you talking about?’ Today, we don’t know who the Ballon d’Or is leaning towards, except that no one should be excluded, that all players should be rewarded, maybe even a goalkeeper.”
Mbappé’s comments reveal a player focused on his current objectives with Real Madrid, while maintaining a respectful and professional stance regarding his past relationships with PSG and the French national team.
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