France coach Didier Deschamps has offered insight into the recent struggles of star striker Kylian Mbappé, attributing the dip in form to a combination of psychological and physical factors. The comments come in the wake of France’s 0-0 draw with Israel in the Nations League, a match that saw Les Bleus secure a spot in the tournament’s quarterfinals despite Mbappé’s absence from the squad.
Deschamps Sheds Light on Mbappé’s Challenges
Speaking to broadcaster TF1 following the match, Deschamps did not mince words when addressing the reasons behind Mbappé’s omission from the team. “It’s a fact that he is in a difficult situation,” the France coach acknowledged. “Obviously, he is going through a period which is not the happiest of his career.”
Mbappé, who recently completed a high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid, has struggled to find his usual scintillating form in recent weeks. The 24-year-old has managed just one goal in his last seven club appearances and has not added to his tally of 48 international goals since June.
A Multifaceted Issue
Deschamps’ comments suggest that Mbappé’s challenges are not limited to the physical demands of top-level football. “He wanted to come,” the coach revealed, hinting at the player’s desire to contribute to the national team despite his struggles. However, Deschamps ultimately decided that it was “better for him [not to be selected] at the moment.”
“Everybody can go through a difficult period. There is a physical element, and a psychological one.”
– Didier Deschamps
The France coach’s words paint a picture of a player grappling with the mental and emotional challenges that can accompany a high-profile transfer and a dip in form. While Mbappé’s talent is undeniable, it is clear that he is not immune to the pressures and expectations that come with being one of the world’s most sought-after footballers.
Focusing on the Positives
Despite the concerns surrounding Mbappé, Deschamps was quick to emphasize the positives from France’s performance against Israel. The 0-0 draw, while not the most inspiring result, was enough to secure the team’s place in the Nations League quarterfinals and maintain their unbeaten record in the competition.
The France coach also praised the performances of several other players, including:
- Midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who put in a solid shift in the center of the park
- Defender Dayot Upamecano, who looked assured at the heart of the defense
- Forward Olivier Giroud, who led the line with his usual blend of physicality and technical skill
These individual performances, coupled with the team’s overall resilience and defensive organization, will undoubtedly give Deschamps cause for optimism as he looks ahead to future fixtures.
The Road Ahead
As Mbappé continues to navigate this challenging period in his career, the footballing world will be watching with interest to see how he responds. Will the young star rediscover his best form and silence the doubters, or will his struggles persist as he adapts to life at his new club?
For France, the immediate focus will be on their upcoming match against Italy, another key fixture in their Nations League campaign. While Mbappé’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, Deschamps and his team will be determined to prove that they have the depth and quality to succeed even without their talismanic forward.
In the longer term, the hope will be that Mbappé can overcome his current challenges and recapture the scintillating form that has made him one of the most feared attackers in world football. With the European Championships and the World Cup on the horizon, France will need their star man firing on all cylinders if they are to mount a serious challenge for major honors.
For now, though, the focus will be on supporting Mbappé through this difficult period and giving him the time and space he needs to rediscover his best form. As Deschamps’ comments make clear, this is a challenge that requires understanding, patience, and a recognition of the myriad factors – both physical and psychological – that can affect even the most talented of players.
