- Mbappe speaks out on dressing room atmosphere
- Reports of a potential 'war' within the squad
- Suggestion Mbappe's attitude was causing issues
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WHAT HAPPENED?
France and Real Madrid star Mbappe dispelled all rumours regarding tensions within the squad, assuring that life within the group is great and that it's easier to understand each other. Earlier this week, French journalist Romain Molina broke news of a potential dressing room 'war' brewing within the French camp, with players questioning the attitude and performances of their captain.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Ousmane Dembele, praised for his team-first mentality and a standout season with PSG, which has seen him become the frontrunner to win this year's Ballon d'Or, is emerging as a preferred alternative as the team's focal point in attack to Mbappe. Despite reports of growing unrest, head coach Didier Deschamps and the French Football Federation have allegedly ignored internal concerns. Molina further claimed Mbappe even contemplated international retirement, only to be persuaded otherwise by Deschamps.
WHAT KYLIAN MBAPPE SAID
Speaking to Telefoot, Mbappe said: "I've never experienced an atmosphere like this because we're all roughly the same age. Before, there were always older players, very young players, and those in between. Now, young players are arriving, but we're all roughly the same age. We understand each other much more easily. We all know each other. It's good to get along off the pitch, it's great, but it's on the pitch that we have to prove ourselves and build our reputation. Ousmane? He's taken on an exceptional dimension, we have to know how to make room for him."
WHAT NEXT FOR KYLIAN MBAPPE?
Mbappe scored the first goal in Les Bleus' 2-0 victory over Germany in the third-place Nations League playoff on Sunday. He will now travel to the United States with Real Madrid to partake in the revamped Club World Cup, which begins on June 14.