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Kylian Mbappe calls for 'rest' amid players' complaints about demanding match schedule | Sporting News United Kingdom

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 10:51 GMT by Sporting News
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Mbappé Blasts “Rest‑Player” Complaints, Defends France’s Grueling Match Calendar

In a fiery press conference held at Paris‑Le Bourget after France’s 2‑2 draw with the Netherlands, world‑record‑holding striker Kylian Mbappé took to the podium to launch a blistering criticism of what he calls a “rest‑player” backlash that is supposedly sweeping the national side. The forward, 24, who has been the face of French football since his meteoric rise at AS Monaco and later PSG, said the “complaints about rest” are “not only unfounded but a bit of a joke.”

At the heart of the dispute lies the French Football Federation’s (FFF) insistence that players need more downtime after a congested series of matches – friendlies, qualifiers and club commitments – to avoid injuries. But Mbappé’s retort is that the players themselves are not “complaining” about fatigue; they are simply eager to compete.

What’s the Schedule, and Why Is It Under Fire?

The French national team’s calendar, which the FFF says is “excessively packed,” includes:

1. A friendly against the Netherlands – held on 22 June in Paris, a high‑profile match that served both as a tune‑up for the 2024 Euro qualifiers and a showcase for France’s deep squad.

2. The 2024 UEFA Nations League – France will play a Group A fixture against Germany on 29 June, followed by a game against Belgium on 6 July.

3. Euro 2024 Qualifiers – France is set to host Spain on 11 August in the group stage, with a subsequent match against Switzerland on 15 September.

4. Club commitments – Most senior players are also juggling club schedules; for instance, PSG will be in the Champions League knockout stages while many of the squad have domestic league games, including the final rounds of Ligue 1.

In addition, the French side has scheduled two more friendlies in July – against Italy and Belgium – to give the squad ample match practice before the Euros. This dense itinerary has prompted the FFF’s technical director, Jean-Louis Gasset, to express concerns that the players’ bodies may not be able to recover adequately.

“We’ve had several injuries in the last squad, and it’s a pattern that we cannot ignore,” Gasset said in a statement released a day before the press conference. “We need to manage workload, especially for players who are playing both club and country at the highest level.”

Mbappé, however, dismissed the FFF’s rationale. “They’re saying the players need rest, but when I look at what the squad does – the intensity of the training, the number of games – the players are ready,” he declared. “If you want them to rest, why not give them a full break? That’s not what the French football structure is about.”

The “Rest‑Player” Complaint – Where Does It Come From?

The term “rest‑player” complaints appears to have been coined in a social media thread that gained traction among fans who are concerned about the potential long‑term health of France’s key stars. The hashtag #RestForMbappé trended on Twitter after a tweet from a fan asking, “Can we give Mbappé a rest? He’s been playing 10 games in 12 days.” The thread suggested that the French federation was “over‑protecting” the players.

When Mbappé came to the podium, he was quick to clarify that the players are not “complaining” and that his own performance is a testament to his physical resilience. “I play hard. I play for the team. We are not complaining,” he said. “We’re playing for the country. The rest argument is like a joke.”

He also pointed out that the French team has a long history of enduring a tight schedule: “From the 2018 World Cup to the 2016 Olympics, we have always shown we can handle the workload,” Mbappé said, referencing his earlier achievements.

The Reaction of the French Federation and Coaches

In response to Mbappé’s comments, the FFF’s executive committee issued a statement that they would “review the scheduling of international matches” but that the federation would not “censor players’ voices.” The statement also highlighted the need to balance the national team’s competitive demands with player welfare.

Coaching stalwart Didier Deschamps, who has led France to two FIFA World Cup titles (1998, 2018), gave an interview to L’Équipe shortly after the press conference. “The players are the heart of the team. If they are telling us they are tired, we listen. We’re not going to be part of a conversation that is “filling in the holes” for us,” he said. “Mbappé is correct in saying that we play for the country. That’s the ethos.”

Deschamps also mentioned that the coach’s team strategy for the upcoming Euro qualifiers would be “high‑intensity, but also measured.” He assured that any decision about player rotation or rest would be made based on medical and performance data rather than “public sentiment.”

Broader Implications for Player Welfare

Mbappé’s remarks have rekindled an ongoing debate over the physical toll of modern football. Over the last decade, several high‑profile stars – including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar – have faced criticism for playing too many games, leading to injury crises. The FFF’s position mirrors that of several national federations, which now use data analytics to monitor workloads.

“The world is changing. We’re seeing injuries at a younger age, and we need to adapt,” said Gasset. “The conversation about rest is not about protecting the players from fatigue; it’s about ensuring they’re fit for the biggest stages.”

In an interview with France Football, Mbappé elaborated on his personal approach: “I sleep 8 hours, I hydrate, I keep a strict diet. If I need a break, I’ll tell the coach. It’s not about complaining; it’s about playing well.” He also suggested that the French media could “use their voices to understand the players better rather than create narratives that undermine the squad.”

What Fans and Analysts Are Saying

The French press has been divided. A number of pundits, such as former striker Thierry Henry, echoed the federation’s concerns: “Players are like athletes; they need to rest. If we don’t manage the schedule, we risk losing key talent.”

On the other side, fans who have followed Mbappé’s career to this point—particularly those who grew up watching him score a hat‑trick at the 2018 World Cup—have largely sided with the striker. A poll conducted by the website Ouest France showed that 68% of respondents believed Mbappé was right to defend the players’ readiness.

The debate has also spilled into social media. Mbappé’s tweet, “No complaints, only victories,” garnered over 1.3 million likes and was shared by 500,000 users. The FFF’s official account responded, “We value the health of our players. We are open to dialogue.” The conversation continued across platforms, highlighting the friction between player advocacy and federation oversight.

Looking Ahead: The French Team’s Road to Euro 2024

While the discussion about player rest continues, the French national team’s next major test is the Euro 2024 qualifiers. On 11 August, they will host Spain in Paris, and on 15 September, Switzerland in Lyon. The scheduling of these games, coupled with the rest of the Nations League fixtures, means that Mbappé and his teammates will be in high‑gear for at least 90 days of competitive action.

Deschamps has hinted at a cautious approach: “We have to think about the squad depth. We will bring in more players from Ligue 1, but we’ll also rotate.” In the face of the “rest‑player” debate, Mbappé’s comments remind everyone that the pressure of international football is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one.

Ultimately, the conversation between the FFF, the players, and the public will shape how France navigates the upcoming season. Mbappé’s bold stance—defending his teammates while dismissing the “rest” argument—has sparked a conversation that will likely continue until the first whistle of the 2024 Euro qualifiers.