Didier Deschamps was reportedly surprised to see Kylian Mbappe starting for Real Madrid after he asked to be left out of the France squad.
The Los Blancos forward was not included in Deschamps' squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches this week.
Deschamps confirmed that national team captain asked not to be included so he can fully recover from his full fitness after returning from a hamstring issue.
Read: Explained: Why Mbappe was left out of France squad
Mbappe returned as substitute in the defeat to Lille on Wednesday but was named in the starting line for the win over Villarreal on Saturday night.
According to Diario AS, the French coach was shocked to see Mbappe starting the match as there was an understanding he needed rest.
The 2018 World Cup winner only lasted 71 minutes against the Yellow Submarine, with Frenchman replaced by Rodrygo after a rather uninspired display at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Before the match, manager Carlo Ancelotti insists he had nothing to do with Mbappe not joining the national team.
"Deschamps has decided not to call him up," said Ancelotti, as per 90min.
"Mbappe spoke with his selector, and I know know the club's medical staff spoke with the medical staff for France. So they spoke and decided to make this decision."