Whilst speaking to the press ahead of France’s Euro 2024 qualifying fixture against Gibraltar at the Allianz Riviera, France captain Kylian Mbappé (24) reacted to Luis Enrique’s criticism of his hat-trick performance against Stade de Reims in the last round of Ligue 1 fixtures. The Frenchman subsequently discussed his relationships to coaches past and present at PSG and with Didier Deschamps for his national side. The following was transcribed live by Get French Football News.
On Luis Enrique’s criticism, the Frenchman said “You’d have to ask him about the timing [of his criticism]. I took it well, he’s a great coach and has a lot to teach me. From day one, I told him he’d have no problem with me.”
‘I’ve always worked very well with the coaches I’ve had’
The Frenchman admitted he doesn’t mind being spoken to “very, very badly,” adding that he’s always collaborated well with the coaches he’s had both at PSG and at international level. “I’ve always worked well with the coaches I’ve had, like Didier Deschamps, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel and so on. These are coaches who have spoken to me ‘badly’, so to speak – but it didn’t stop me form playing well and having a good relationship with them.”
“I’m a player who’s very demanding of himself, so when I find that demand from my coaches then I’m very happy. I don’t need my manager to tell me I’m the best player in the world every day.”
Is Mbappé a different player for France under Deschamps than with PSG & Enrique?
The Frenchman was also asked whether he feels he plays differently for the French national team than when he plays in domestic action, a difference that the 24-year-old recognises and puts down to the respective managers’ styles of play.
“Deschamps is all about adapting to opponents, which means I’m a different player. That allows me to broaden my range. I can still improve and broaden my range. Here, the coach gives me total freedom on the left flank. Luis Enrique gives me more structure. I’m adapting to all these schemes, and with the two great coaches I have, it’s in my interest to listen to them.”
GFFN | George Boxall
