France coach says Mbappé’s dip in form is due to both psychological and physical reasons

By The Associated Press

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe controls the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Breton)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jose Breton]

PARIS (AP) — France coach Didier Deschamps said Thursday that there are both physical and psychological reasons for Kylian Mbappé’s rough patch of form. After France drew 0-0 with Israel in the Nations League, Deschamps was again asked about the reasons behind the Real Madrid striker’s absence from his squad. “It’s a fact that he is in a difficult situation,” Deschamps told broadcaster TF1. “Obviously, he is going through a period which is not the happiest of his career.” Mbappé was not included in Deschamps’ list for the match against Israel and a game in Italy later this this week. Mbappé’s performances have been below par in recent weeks after he joined Madrid from PSG this summer.