France’s national team coach, Didier Deschamps, remains confident in his two star forwards, Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann, ahead of their upcoming Nations League matches against Italy and Belgium, even though they’ve had limited preparation this season.

In the first press conference of the French team’s training camp, Deschamps made it clear that he’s not “worried” about either player, despite them not being at their peak during the recent Euros—just like some other players.

However, he did acknowledge that it’s unlikely any player is “at 100%” right now, as most have only played three matches, with very short or even minimal pre-season preparation. He made these comments at France’s training facilities in Clairefontaine, about 60 kilometers south of Paris.

France will host Italy this Friday in Paris and then face Belgium next Monday in Lyon, as part of the first two rounds of the group stage in the new edition of the Nations League.

Deschamps admitted that the busy schedule isn’t getting any better, especially with the new Champions League and Club World Cup formats kicking in this season. “That’s just the reality, even if it’s tough on performance,” he emphasized.

Because of this, he said he’ll have to “manage playing time and involve as many players as possible,” noting that mental fatigue is “even more significant” than physical fatigue.

The French coach was “happy” to see Mbappé finally score in La Liga yesterday, with two goals against Betis. “Of course, I’m happy for him,” he said, although he wasn’t “worried.” “He’ll come in with a smile. The team is better when Kylian is here,” Deschamps pointed out, adding that Mbappé “demands a lot from himself.”

When asked about Mbappé’s position—whether he’ll play as a central striker or on the left wing—Deschamps mentioned that “Kylian doesn’t really have the profile of a traditional center forward,” like the now-retired Olivier Giroud. “All attacking players have always had a lot of freedom. We just need to find the right balance tactically,” he explained.

The French coach also justified calling up Sevilla defender Loïc Badé, who replaces the injured Wesley Fofana, by saying it’s “time to see as many players as possible,” which is why he didn’t include the veteran Benjamin Pavard. Additionally, left-back Lucas Digne will replace Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy, who is also injured, the French Football Federation announced on Monday.