March 14, (THEWILL)- Kylian Mbappe’s dream of representing France at the 2024 Paris Olympics has been cast into doubt by national team coach Didier Deschamps.
On Thursday, Deschamps admitted it would be “very difficult” for players to compete at the Olympics immediately after Euro 2024 due to physical and psychological demands.
Deschamps confirmed some Euro 2024 squad members may feature at the Olympics under Thierry Henry but stressed the European Championship “remains the priority”. The French coach emphasised a need for clarity on Olympic selections before France’s Euro 2024 preparations commence.
“We don’t want any interference with our preparations, so once we are in our training camp at Clairefontaine, it needs to be clear who is going and who is not going,” he stated. This timeline presents challenges for stars like Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann who are keen on Olympic involvement.
The European Championship concludes on July 14 while the Olympic football tournament kicks off just 10 days later on July 24. This leaves little room for rest between the two major tournaments, particularly if France progresses deep into Euro 2024. Additionally, clubs are not obligated to release players for the Olympics, according to FIFA regulations.
Mbappe, already intending to depart Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires this summer, may face complications. His prospective new club, heavily rumoured to be Real Madrid, is unlikely to be enthused by the 25-year-old participating at the Olympics rather than resting ahead of the new club season, which will rapidly follow the Olympic final on August 9, should France make it that far.
France legend Henry, currently managing the U21s and set to lead the Olympic team, accepts Mbappe’s inclusion is uncertain. “I have no certainty. I am at the mercy of a yes or a no from a club,” Henry admitted, adding: “And then if they agree and then change coach in the meantime, who is to say I would still have him?”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
