Real Madrid forward was not called up to the French national team for the second time in a row this season.
Didier Deschamps, the long-standing coach of the French national team, stepped forward this Sunday to offer a strong defense of Kylian Mbappé, who was omitted from the Nations League squad for the second time in a row this season.
The decision to leave out the Real Madrid star and captain of "Les Bleus" has sparked a wave of speculation and debate among fans and pundits, but Deschamps sought to address these concerns directly in an interview with the “Téléfoot” program on TF1. He aimed to clarify the situation and to emphasize his belief in Mbappé’s abilities and future prospects.
Deschamps began by downplaying the concerns over Mbappé’s recent form and performance, making it clear that he does not see any long-term issues with the player’s capabilities. "There’s no reason to think otherwise, and I hope so," Deschamps said when asked if Mbappé could return to his best. “He’s going through a tough period, a more challenging phase, but he has everything he needs to do what he has already done before. This doesn’t take away from what he has achieved; he just needs to rediscover everything he did so well, even if he was less effective in 2024.”
The French coach’s comments highlight the broader context of Mbappé’s struggles this season, which have included a notable dip in form and a series of matches where he has failed to make his usual impact. Despite his stellar reputation and the anticipation that followed his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid, Mbappé has faced difficulties adapting to the new environment, including tactical adjustments and a change in playing style under Carlo Ancelotti. Deschamps touched on this point, noting that the player’s versatility has sometimes led to him being used in various roles, which may have contributed to his inconsistency.
“He can play in various positions; it’s a matter of combinations,” Deschamps explained, defending his decision to use Mbappé in different tactical setups. “People might say I’m crazy for putting him in the center-forward role, but he also played there with his last two coaches. Of course, he doesn’t have the same profile as Giroud, so it all depends on the team we are facing. When he’s in the center, he prefers the left side to the right, although I’ve seen him play more on the right at Real Madrid. It’s a matter of balance.” Deschamps’ comments reflect his deep understanding of Mbappé’s capabilities but also the challenge of finding the optimal way to deploy a player of such diverse skill sets.
The interview also delved into a critical issue often overlooked in modern football: the mental health of top players. Deschamps was candid about the pressures faced by athletes like Mbappé, particularly in the age of social media and constant scrutiny. He acknowledged that the demands placed on players have grown exponentially, not only from the intense schedule and expectations of their clubs but also from the relentless focus of the media and fans.
“The environment is different because nowadays there’s exposure to the smallest words, on social media and then through the chain of events,” Deschamps observed. “I’ve spoken with some of my players, and after a competition like the European Championship, which lasts only three weeks, it’s difficult to immediately face the high demands again. The expectations keep increasing. Every time we have to meet these expectations, we do so, but sometimes we respond less well, and there may be a psychological state... I don’t know if it’s depression, but it’s a fragile psychological state. The mind controls the legs.”
Deschamps’ remarks shed light on the unseen toll of the modern game, where the physical demands are matched by intense psychological pressures. He alluded to the broader phenomenon of burnout, where players find it challenging to maintain peak performance over long periods due to the cumulative stress of constant competition and scrutiny. For Mbappé, a player who has been in the spotlight since his teenage years, the pressure is particularly acute. The weight of being a superstar at a young age, coupled with the responsibilities of captaining one of the world’s most high-profile national teams, has likely contributed to his current struggles.
The discussion about Mbappé’s role in the team also comes at a pivotal moment for the French national side. As captain, Mbappé is expected to lead both on and off the field, a role he has embraced but which comes with significant challenges. Deschamps’ decision to leave him out of the Nations League squad for a second time is seen by many as a tactical choice aimed at giving the forward a chance to recuperate and regain his form without the pressure of immediate international expectations. It may also be a signal from Deschamps that the team needs to explore different dynamics and tactical setups in Mbappé’s absence, to ensure they have a variety of strategies at their disposal for future tournaments.
The French coach’s comments about finding the right balance in the team underscore the complexities of managing a squad filled with world-class talent. In recent years, Deschamps has faced criticism for his tactical decisions, particularly in how he utilizes players like Mbappé, who can operate in multiple attacking roles. His willingness to experiment, even at the risk of backlash, reflects his commitment to finding the most effective approach for the team, even if it means making difficult or unpopular choices.
In concluding his interview, Deschamps once again emphasized the importance of mental resilience, not just for Mbappé but for the entire squad. “It’s the head that controls the legs,” he reiterated, driving home the message that the psychological aspect of the game is as critical as physical preparation. For Mbappé, who has already achieved so much at a young age, the path back to his best form may lie as much in mental recovery as it does in tactical adjustments or physical training.
Deschamps’ public defense of Mbappé serves as a reminder of the broader context in which athletes operate today. It highlights the fine line managers must walk between pushing their players to meet ever-higher expectations and recognizing the need for recovery and mental well-being. For Mbappé, the road ahead may be challenging, but with the support of his coach and a focus on regaining his confidence, there is every reason to believe he can once again reach the heights that made him one of the most feared forwards in world football. As Deschamps pointed out, the talent is there; it is now a matter of rediscovering it.
