Mbappé and Deschamps defend Dembélé ahead of France-Iraq

Kylian Mbappé and Didier Deschamps both defended Ousmane Dembélé at a press conference ahead of France’s friendly match against Iraq. The Ballon d’Or winner, judged quiet during the victory over Senegal (3-1), benefits from strong backing from his captain and his manager.

Mbappé first contested the verdict on his teammate’s performance against Senegal. “I don’t know if Ousmane was less visible. I watched the match twice: in the first half, he was the best attacking player of the four,” he said. The France captain also highlighted the winger’s physical condition: “We must not forget that he was injured at the end of the season. He will build up his fitness and will be a decisive player for us.”

Deschamps directly challenged the media on what he perceives as harassment. “Ousmane, you’re on his back, there’s a bone to pick…,” the manager said. He also recalled a contextual element: Dembélé does not play in the same position for France as he does at Paris Saint-Germain, which according to him requires “adjustments to be found.”

The contrast between Dembélé’s performances at club and international level nevertheless fuels questions. Shining with PSG to the point of winning the Ballon d’Or, he struggles to impose himself in a system where he must coexist with Mbappé and Michael Olise, both decisive against Senegal in the second half.

The best answer to the criticism remains on the pitch. The match against Iraq on Monday evening gives him the opportunity to confirm the confidence his captain and manager have in him.