Kylian Mbappé was present at a press conference this Sunday evening in Philadelphia, on the eve of the France's second match in this World Cup, against Iraq, Monday at 23 p.m. After his brace against Senegal in the Blues' opening match, which they won 3-1, the French captain answered all the current topics: his positioning, the playing style of great teams, his attacking partners, the race for records, his future with the French team and the possibility of one day playing in the United States.
A brace, but not a sufficient demonstration.
Having scored twice in the first group match, Mbappé did not want to make this performance a summary of his level: "I don't think a brace in the first group match is enough to show the full extent of my talent."
When asked about his role in the French attack, he also highlighted his versatility: "I feel comfortable in all attacking positions!"
PSG, Barça, Real, Bayern: Mbappé reminds everyone of the winner's rule
When asked about the playing styles that inspire modern football, Mbappé summarized the evolution of collective references with a clear formula: "We were told to copy Barcelona's possession game, Real Madrid's three-man attack, Bayern's intensity, and now PSG's counter-pressing; the winning team will always be an example." This comes at a time when PSG, the European champions, have become a point of comparison and reference in tactical discussions around the top level.
Olise, Dembélé: two weapons for Les Bleus
Mbappé also spoke about Michael Olise, who has been very prominent since the start of the World Cup and is already important in the French attacking play: "Michael has the opportunity to create something different in every game!"
The captain of the French national team was equally complimentary about Ousmane Dembélé: “I don’t know if Ousmane was less prominent. I’ve rewatched the match twice; in the first half, he was the best attacking player of the four. Ousmane is very calm; he’s the Ballon d’Or winner, he has the confidence of the group and the staff. He knows perfectly well how the French national team works. He’s going to be a key player for us, that’s for sure!”
Messi ahead, Mbappé chasing the record
The race for the World Cup goalscoring record was also discussed. Lionel Messi He joined Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time scoring charts with 16 goals, while Mbappé has 14 in the competition after his brace against Senegal. Regarding Messi, Mbappé didn't seem surprised: "I knew Leo Messi was going to score goals!"
The United States? Beckham insists, Mbappé doesn't rule it out
Mbappé was also asked again about his medium- and long-term future, particularly regarding a possible move to America. He confirmed that David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, spoke to him about it regularly. "David Beckham often asks me if I want to come. Maybe one day, who knows? It's a country I like."
No projections for when he's 40 with the French national team.
When pressed about the length of his international career, and about the example of players capable of lasting up to 40 years, Mbappé responded humorously before refocusing his speech on the present: "I won't be here at 40, you'll have kicked me out before then! I have no plans with the French national team. I'm just thinking about the present moment."
Refreshment breaks: a cash-in-time formula
The French captain was also asked about the water breaks introduced during this World Cup, played in intense heat. His answer was direct: "You shouldn't ask the players for their opinion, we're all fickle!"
