According to RMC, while Mbappé and Dembélé continue to sit next to each other at the France team table and maintain professionalism, sources within the squad reveal that their closeness is no longer what it was, particularly following recent media interviews, notably those regarding the Ballon d'Or.

The report indicates that during Zinedine Zidane's first gathering as France coach, the relationship between Mbappé and Dembélé was not as it had been. After spending several days together with the France squad, this shift became increasingly undeniable.

Obviously, no one wants conflict between these two pillars of French football. However, their status, their positions within the national team system, and their influence on the squad all point to the fact that this problem genuinely exists.

Those who knew them and worked with them before the international break can confirm: there is now a rift between the two. And the word "rift" may even be understating it.

The root of this discord lies in a series of minor frictions. According to reports, Dembélé is displeased with certain remarks made by Mbappé, including those Mbappé made recently in an interview with France Football. Since then, Dembélé has frequently alluded to his captain's comments, directly or indirectly.

For example, Mbappé once explained that he had never been treated as the "chosen one," to which Dembélé responded. More recently, Dembélé also described his club teammate Kvaratskhelia's performance as "dazzling." This statement is clearly significant as it echoes Mbappé's choice of words. These may be small details, but taken together, they tell a story.

"Something is off between them; it's not like it used to be." It was in this context that the two reconvened for training at Clairefontaine. Moreover, it was clear they had not communicated beforehand. An insider from the France squad summarized it: "On the surface, they still sit next to each other at the table and chat. But if you look closer, you notice the atmosphere is somewhat cold. When they reunited at the base, we immediately sensed that something was wrong between them; it's not like it used to be."

However, insiders do not believe this situation is cause for concern. The reason is straightforward: from a professional standpoint, both are performing well, Mbappé is captain and Dembélé is vice-captain. They understand their responsibilities and what France expects of them. If communication is necessary, they will communicate; if cooperation is required, they will cooperate. For now, insiders believe their relationship is limited to that. There are no public conflicts or fallouts, but their relationship appears to have shifted.

And that is precisely what warrants attention. In the short term, both players' professionalism is sufficient to keep the squad functioning normally. But if this rift persists, the real problem will lie in how it affects the team's atmosphere and cohesion.

Traduit par IA.

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