France head coach Didier Deschamps has firmly rejected criticism of Kylian Mbappe’s off-the-ball work rate, insisting the Real Madrid forward’s value cannot be reduced to distance covered during a match.
Speaking at a journalistic debate in Laval alongside his long-time assistant Guy Stéphan, Deschamps pushed back against suggestions that Mbappe is an exception within the national team when it comes to defensive running.
The discussion turned to Mbappe after an audience member questioned whether the France captain was the only player who did not consistently run without the ball.
Deschamps initially responded with humour before addressing the issue directly. “Well, that’s the case with the goalkeeper,” he joked, before adding: “That’s your opinion, I don’t think so, even though some run less than others. If I want him to run a minimum of 11 km per game, don’t bother, he won’t do it.”
Deschamps’ comments underline his long-held belief that elite attackers should not be judged by the same physical metrics as other positions.
Rather than focusing on total distance, the France coach emphasised efficiency and decisive actions, a point reinforced by Stéphan, who highlighted Mbappe’s explosive contribution.
“He makes many more high-intensity runs,” the assistant coach noted, pointing to the forward’s ability to change games in short, decisive bursts.
Beyond the physical debate, Deschamps also addressed Mbappe’s leadership and character, pushing back against perceptions that the striker is overly individualistic.
“Kylian, whether you like it or not, young players adore him,” he said. “You have this image of him as a selfish, individualistic guy, and it’s true that a striker also has to be selfish, but I can assure you that within the French national team, he behaves like a captain.”
The remarks offer a clear insight into how France’s coaching staff manage their most high-profile player.
