France’s World Cup fitness plan spotlights Mbappe’s defensive question
France’s World Cup buildup has been unusually straightforward, according to training sessions that were filmed and shared online. Didier Deschamps’ staff began each practice with continuous running at threshold speeds of 10 to 14 km/h to build aerobic capacity, then moved to high-intensity work above 18 km/h. The key drills included end-to-end sprints in under 30 seconds and shuttle runs from the edge of the penalty area that had to be completed in under 15 seconds.
Fitness coaches said the simplicity was impressive because the World Cup is a marathon, not a sprint. By improving players’ aerobic base, the French team can sustain higher-intensity efforts and recover faster between repeated bursts. Those close to the squad said the two weeks of intense work before the tournament were crucial after a long season. Michael Olise stood out in training and teammates reportedly called him a “beast” or a “machine.”
Kylian Mbappe also took part, but the article says he did not look as relentless as Olise. There is a feeling inside the squad that France cannot fully rely on him to do the necessary defensive work. According to L’Equipe, Ousmane Dembele allegedly urged Mbappe to increase his defensive effort, echoing comments Luis Enrique made when Mbappe played for Paris Saint-Germain. Mbappe has admitted he needs to “improve in defense,” but recent training footage suggested he was doing warm-up and coordination drills at half intensity.
The piece places that issue in the context of Mbappe’s exit from PSG in May 2024, when Luis Enrique publicly praised him while noting the club wanted players with strong mentality and commitment. Mbappe left after scoring 255 goals in all competitions and winning six French league titles, but without the same success in the Champions League. The article argues that PSG became better after his departure because the attack was more team-oriented, and suggests France may also need to consider benching Mbappe if it wants to win the World Cup.
