Kylian Mbappe’s reduced playing time with Paris St Germain in recent weeks could be good news for the France national team as it can keep him fresh for the European Championships and Olympics, manager Didier Deschamps has said.
The France captain, who informed PSG last month that he would leave them as a free agent at the end of the season, has played the full 90 minutes in just three matches since February 14 in a 2-1 Champions League win at Real Sociedad. , a 3-1 French Cup win over Nice and a 6-2 league win over Montpellier on Sunday.
Asked about Mbappe’s playing time on Monday, Deschamps told reporters: “It’s important to be physically fresh for the main competition. In any case, all players will arrive at the end of the season feeling a bit tired.
Also read: Man City to play Barca, Chelsea, among others in US pre-season tour
“If the fatigue can be reduced a little (the better),” the French coach added ahead of the friendly against Germany on March 23.
Mbappe, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, said he hopes to feature at this summer’s Paris Olympics but a move to the LaLiga leaders may prevent him from doing so.
France Under-23 coach Thierry Henry said on Monday that Real had rejected a request to release players for the games.
“Real Madrid’s attitude towards the Olympics is a bit outdated,” said Deschamps. “But the businessmen are the ones who decide. If it’s not on the official FIFA date, if they say no, the answer is no.”
