Mbappe ‘relaxed’ and ready to play in France’s World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan

France captain Kylian Mbappe said on Thursday he felt relaxed about life in Madrid and was in good form as his country looks to move to the brink of World Cup qualification when they face Azerbaijan in Paris.

Mbappe had been treated for a “little problem” in his right ankle and started playing for Real Madrid last weekend.

«The coach (Didier Deschamps) wants me to play. I don’t think there will be a big problem,» Mbappe told reporters on Thursday.

Deschamps added: «It’s not prohibitively expensive; it depends more on his sensitivity to his ankle.»

Mbappe said he felt “more relaxed” in his life after fully settling into life in the Spanish capital since joining Real from Paris Saint-Germain last season.

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“A career can have a little more complicated years, years where you have a little more hardship,” he said.

«But in life I think I have adapted well to Madrid. This is not an attack on France, but it is true that I am more relaxed there. In Madrid the lifestyle is different. It is less hectic than in Paris.»

«I was able to score goals. But I think on top of that I’m also in a good mood in my game, even though I think I can still improve,» he said.

Deschamps called on his players not to underestimate Azerbaijan.

«Certainly, they are not among the best European teams, but against Ukraine they end up with a draw,» said Deschamps.

“Seven of their players play for Qarabag,” which has won its first two Champions League group matches, the French coach added.

Les Bleus top their group with two wins from two so far in qualifying. They host Azerbaijan at PSG’s Parc des Princes Stadium on Friday before traveling to Iceland three days later.

Published on October 9, 2025