France coach Didier Deschamps expressed concern about his players’ mental health, particularly that of team captain Kylian Mbappe.
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Deschamps concern over his players’ mental health
Deschamps’ side secure a 3-1 victory over Italy, thanks to Adrian Rabiot’s brace and Lucas Digne’s brilliant free kick led to an own goal by Italy’s goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Despite Mbappe’s absence, France finished at the top of Nations League Group A2 table.
When asked about the situation of the Real Madrid striker, Deschamps emphasized that the player is experiencing a psychological slump.
“He is in a complicated situation, yes, but that does not take away from what he has done or mean that he is not able to re-find his previous form, even if he too was less effective in 2024,” Deschamps told Telefoot.
Deschamps, 56, also expressed concern about his players’ mental health amid the congested football calendar and overexposure on social media.
“The environment is different because there is exposure today — the slightest little word, social networks and then the fallout.”
“I spoke with some of my players. After a competition like Euro 2024, they have barely three weeks, it is difficult to put the demands back in. They are higher and higher.”
“Every time it is: ‘You must, you must, you must’ and then sometimes you can’t respond or you respond less well, and there can be a psychological issue.”
“Whether it is going as far as depression I don’t know, but it is a psychological state that is fragile. It is the head that commands the legs.”
France player backs Mbappe
Speaking about mental health, Liverpool’s French defender Ibrahima Konate offered his support to Mbappe.
“Beyond being a footballer, he is one of my friends and someone that I have a lot of affection for,” he said.
“If Kylian has psychological problems in his life, we’ll always be there to help him. But we know the qualities that Kylian has. He is a formidable player and one of the best in the world.”
“Every player in their career has had a little blip so I’m not worried about him. I can’t wait for him to get back to his best level.”
