The relationship between Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele has come under fresh scrutiny following an exchange that has reportedly caused significant frustration within the France camp. The superstar's remarks have plunged 'Les Bleus' into an internal crisis, forcing new manager Zinedine Zidane to contend with a deeply divided camp from his very first day.
Key Highlights
- Ousmane Dembele reportedly felt betrayed by Kylian Mbappe's comments about their contrasting careers.
- Mbappe said he had "always [been] considered the chosen one", while highlighting Dembele's injury problems.
- Dembele responded by insisting he "was never the chosen one" and had worked hard for his success.
- Reports claim several France players are increasingly frustrated by the situation ahead of Zinedine Zidane's first squad selection.
Mbappe Comments Spark Dembele Response
Mbappe recently stated that he was "always considered the chosen one" and suggested that Dembele had experienced a different career because of his injury problems. The comments prompted a direct response from Dembele after PSG's 1-0 win over Brest on Sunday.
Dembele made it clear that he did not see himself as someone who had been handed success, stating that he "was never the chosen one" and had instead worked hard before being rewarded with what he described as a wonderful year with Paris.
According to L'Equipe, those remarks represented a breaking point for Dembele, who had previously chosen to remain publicly quiet despite reportedly being irritated by several of Mbappe's comments over the years.
Dembele Reportedly Feels Betrayed by Mbappe
Former France international and pundit Jerome Rothen has provided further insight into Dembele's reaction, claiming that the forward was particularly hurt by Mbappe's remarks. Speaking on RMC Sport, Rothen stated that "Dembélé took it very badly" and described the situation as a form of "betrayal" from Dembele's perspective.
Rothen also suggested that the frustration is not limited to Dembele, with Mbappe's comments reportedly causing irritation among other members of the France squad. The situation has therefore developed beyond a disagreement between two high-profile forwards, with the relationship between France's leading players now under increased scrutiny.
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France Dressing Room Reportedly Divided
According to Rothen, several France players are struggling to understand Mbappe's repeated public comments, creating the impression of competing factions within the squad. He claimed that he had been told "there are a lot of players in the French team who do not understand" Mbappe's statements and suggested that some are now more supportive of Dembele.
Rothen even described the situation as though "there are two teams now", despite the players ultimately representing the same national side. For France, any division between key members of the squad would be a major concern, particularly with the international break approaching and expectations remaining high around the team.
Zidane Faces Immediate France Test
The reported tension comes at an awkward time for Zinedine Zidane, who is preparing to announce his first France squad on Friday. Mbappe and Dembele are expected to meet again when the players gather at Clairefontaine, giving Zidane an immediate challenge in managing the relationship between two of his most important attacking players.
With reports suggesting the pair have not spoken since the latest incident, the new France boss will have to address the situation quickly and ensure the dispute does not affect the wider squad. Restoring unity will be particularly important for Zidane as he begins his tenure, with the Mbappe-Dembele relationship potentially becoming one of his first major tests as France manager.
