France prepares for World Cup challenge
Kylian Mbappe, captain of the France national team, has indicated that the squad’s dressing room is in excellent spirits as they prepare to commence their FIFA World Cup campaign. The team is scheduled to face Senegal in their opening match, which will be held in New Jersey on June 17.
Mbappe, who is seen as central to France’s ambition of securing a third World Cup title, has affirmed his strong physical condition and his determination to bring the trophy back to France. He highlighted the positive atmosphere within the squad, noting the presence of players who recently participated in the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. Among these players is Arsenal defender William Saliba.
Discussing how the team managed emotions following the Champions League final, Mbappe shared his approach. He mentioned that he quickly congratulated his former PSG teammates. He also noted that it is easier to console one teammate, such as Saliba, who experienced a loss in the Champions League final, rather than five. Mbappe acknowledged Arsenal’s achievements, stating that what they accomplished was brilliant. He drew upon his own experience of losing a Champions League final, explaining that efforts were made to console Saliba. Despite Saliba currently recovering from back pain and having missed a recent training session, the overall mood in the dressing room remains positive, with the team’s focus firmly set on the upcoming World Cup.
Mbappe’s focus on team success
Mbappe has a notable record in his two previous World Cup appearances, having scored 12 goals, including four in finals. He is currently four goals shy of the record held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose. Despite these individual achievements, Mbappe has consistently prioritised winning the World Cup over personal records. He expressed that while it is pleasing to be among the top goal scorers, he questioned the fairness of the comparison given the age difference between himself and other players on the list. He acknowledged his fortune in participating in two World Cups, progressing far in both, and performing well. His primary desire, however, remains to return to France with the World Cup trophy.
Addressing any concerns regarding his fitness, Mbappe confirmed his good physical shape and his happiness to be with the national team. He described this period as an important moment for the squad, indicating that they are internally absorbing a lot of information. He also noted that the team has had a good pre-tournament build-up. Mbappe recognised the challenging path ahead but affirmed the team’s readiness to compete and strive to reach the final. He stressed the importance of maintaining composure in the high-pressure environment of the tournament, questioning why the players’ enthusiasm should be dampened. He emphasised that a World Cup is not a series of home-and-away matches, where one poor performance can lead to elimination. He conveys these messages daily, reminding the team that they have not yet achieved their ultimate goal.
Congratulating former teammates
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe also disclosed that he extended congratulations to his France teammates who play for Paris Saint-Germain following the club’s recent success in the UEFA Champions League. He made these remarks while on international duty with the French national team.
Mbappe stated that he congratulated the PSG players at the training camp, acknowledging their fantastic level of play and noting that PSG is currently at its peak. Mbappe played for PSG from 2017 to 2024, becoming the club’s all-time leading goal scorer during his tenure in Paris. Despite winning numerous domestic trophies with the French club, he was unable to secure Europe’s most prestigious club trophy during his time there.
Since Mbappe’s departure, PSG has achieved significant success, including winning back-to-back Champions League titles, which has further solidified their position as one of Europe’s strongest clubs. The 27-year-old is now focused on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he is anticipated to play a crucial role for France. Les Bleus are considered one of the leading contenders for the title as they head into the tournament, with their opening match against Senegal scheduled for June 17 in New Jersey.
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Source: thenewsmill.com
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